Mixed Sprouts Usal is a healthy, comforting, and protein-rich Indian curry that is very popular in Maharashtrian homes. It is simple to cook, budget-friendly, and perfect for everyday meals. This dish is made using mixed sprouts, basic Indian spices, onion, tomato, and very little oil.
Usal can be enjoyed with roti, chapati, bhakri, pav, or even plain steamed rice. You can keep the gravy as thick or thin as you prefer. It is filling, nutritious, and suitable for both lunch and dinner.
This recipe explains step by step how to make soft, perfectly cooked usal in a pressure cooker, using very basic ingredients that are easily available at home.
What is Usal?
Usal is a traditional Maharashtrian curry typically prepared using sprouted legumes, such as matki, moth beans, green gram, black chana, or a combination of mixed sprouts. It is lightly spiced, simple, and focuses more on natural flavours rather than heavy masalas.
Usal is:
- High in protein
- Easy to digest
- Naturally vegan
- Very nutritious
- Ideal for daily meals
Preparation Before Cooking
Wash the sprouts properly and soak them overnight in enough water. This helps in easy cooking and better digestion.
Finely chop the onion and tomato so they cook evenly and blend well with the gravy.
Step-by-Step Method to Make Usal (Mixed Sprouts)
Step 1: Fry the Onion
Place a pressure cooker on medium flame and add 2 to 3 tbsp oil.
Once the oil is hot, add 1 finely chopped onion.
Fry the onion until it turns light golden brown. This step is very important because well-fried onions give good flavour to the usal.
Step 2: Add Ginger Garlic Paste
Now add 1 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste to the fried onion.
Sauté for a few seconds until the raw smell goes away.
Do not burn it. Keep the flame medium.
Step 3: Add Tomato
Add one finely chopped tomato.
Cook it for a few seconds until it becomes soft and slightly mushy.
Tomato helps balance the spices and adds mild tanginess to the curry.
Step 4: Add Soaked Mixed Sprouts
Now add ½ cup overnight soaked mixed sprouts into the cooker.
Mix well with the onion-tomato mixture.
Cook until the excess moisture dries and the sprouts get lightly sautéed.
This step helps the sprouts absorb flavours from the base.
Step 5: Add All the Spices
Now add:
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon chole masala or pav bhaji masala
Mix everything very well.
Step 6: Roast the Masala
Keep the flame low and roast the masala for 3–4 minutes.
Stir continuously so the spices do not burn.
Roast until the oil starts releasing from the sides.
This step enhances the aroma and taste of the usal.
Step 7: Add Water
Add 1 cup of water for a thick gravy.
If you prefer a thin gravy, you can add 2 cups of water.
Mix well.
Step 8: Pressure Cook
Close the pressure cooker lid.
Cook on medium flame for 4–5 whistles or until the sprouts become soft and well cooked.
Turn off the flame and let the pressure release naturally.
Step 9: Check Doneness
Open the cooker and check if the sprouts are properly cooked.
If they are still hard, add some water and pressure cook for 1–2 more whistles.
Step 10: Final Touch
Once the usal is cooked perfectly, add:
- Fresh chopped coriander leaves
- Finely chopped green chilli (optional)
Mix well.
Your hot, delicious mixed sprouts usal is now ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
Mixed Sprouts Usal tastes best
when served:
- With roti or chapati
- With steamed rice
- With pav or bhakri
- Alongside lemon wedges and sliced onions
- It is perfect for lunch or dinner.
Tips for Perfect Usal
- Adjust water according to your desired gravy consistency
- Always soak sprouts overnight for easy cooking
- Roast the masala on a low flame for the best flavour
- You can skip pav bhaji masala if unavailable
- Add coconut paste for a richer taste (optional)
Variations You Can Try
- Use only matki sprouts for the traditional taste
- Add black chana sprouts for a stronger flavour
- Add a little goda masala for authentic Maharashtrian style
- Make it spicy by adding extra green chilli
Health Benefits of Mixed Sprouts Usal
- Rich in plant protein
- High in fibre
- Improves digestion
- Keeps you full for longer
- Good for weight management
- Suitable for vegetarians and vegans
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Beginners
- Very easy steps
- Basic ingredients
- No complicated techniques
- One-pot cooking
- Budget-friendly
- Even beginners can make this usal confidently.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Can I make usal without a pressure cooker?
Yes, but it will take more time. Cook sprouts until soft in a covered pan.
Q. Can I store usal?
Yes, you can refrigerate it for up to 2 days.
Q. Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, it is completely vegan.
Usal Recipe | Easy Mixed Sprouts Recipe | Healthy & Protein Rich Indian Curry
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oil in a pressure cooker on medium flame.
- Add chopped onion and fry until light golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a few seconds until raw smell disappears.
- Add chopped tomato and cook until soft.
- Add soaked mixed sprouts and sauté until excess moisture dries.
- Add all spices and salt. Mix well.
- Roast the masala on low flame for 3–4 minutes until oil releases.
- Add 1 cup water and mix well.
- Close the lid and pressure cook for 4–5 whistles on medium flame.
- Let pressure release naturally.
- Check if sprouts are soft. If needed, cook for 1–2 more whistles.
- Add fresh coriander and green chilli. Mix and serve hot.
Notes
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Mixed Sprouts Usal is a simple, comforting, and nutritious Indian curry that fits perfectly into daily home cooking. It is light on the stomach, rich in taste, and full of health benefits.
Try this easy recipe at home and enjoy a wholesome meal with your family. 🌿🍽️