Horse gram is a super nutritious legume with scientific name asMacrotyloma uniflorum. It is known by various regional names as Kulith, Kulthi, Kollu, Ulavalu, or Hurule in different parts of India.

It is quite hard in texture and hence needs plenty of soaking time before you cook. The plant is fairly robust and resistant to draughts, it also helps to replenish the necessary nutrients in the soil when grown on it, hence increasing the fertility of the soil.

Horse gram has very high nutritional value, making it much more economical than any other food to fight off nutritional disorders. Due to the ample amount of Flavanoids, Antioxidants, and Polyphenols, and Enzymes it also carries medicinal properties.

It is often referred in Ayurvedic texts as a remedy against metabolic disorders, Asthma, Rheumatoid, and also treated as a tonic for the body.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Profile of Horse Gram

It is a rich source of proteins, Calcium, Iron, B Vitamins, and Antioxidants. In fact, Horse Gram has the highest amount of protein compared to any other plant-based source and has the highest amount of Calcium when compared with other legumes.

In Ayurveda horse gram is referred to have Astringent and Sweet tastes and Diuretic properties. It pacifies Vata Dosha and Kapha Dosha, hence helping to fight off related disorders such as constipation, piles, allergies, cough, and cold.

• Dissolves kidney and gallstones. In Ayurveda, Kulith is prescribed to be consumed at least once a week for the patients suffering from stones formation.
• Helps lower blood sugar levels and aids in the management of Diabetes.
• Supports fertility, sperm production in men, and also helps to balance the hormones.
• Roasted powder is consumed with curd to cure ulcers.
• Promotes absorption of Calcium in the body, hence stops the formation of the stones/lumps.
• Boosts metabolism and brings back the metabolism on track.
• Lowers down cholesterol levels and also burns fat to energy.
• Supports Immune system by better nutrient absorption, regulating metabolism, and also reducing stress levels.
• Supports weight loss and helps fight fatigue.
• Boosts collagen production, provides with a beautiful and supple skin.
• Prevents dark circles and also reduces stretch marks.

Recipe – Horse Gram Soup – Kulith Saar

In Orissa, horse gram is also prepared after grinding in a traditional hand-run mill called “Chakki”. This ground version of Kulthi Daal is then roasted and kept in air tight containers. Typical Odia preparation would have eggplants and plenty of coriander. This preparation is not only super delicious, super nutritious, but also easy on the tummy! In our current preparation of horse gram soup, we have used the whole version. This version is also known as kulith saar in southern parts of India.

Ingredients (Serves 4-5 people)

• 1 and 1/2 Cup Horse Gram
• 4-5 twigs of coriander leaves to garnish and for their delicious flavour
• 3-4 cloves of Garlic
• Salt to taste
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric
• 1 Big Tomato or 2 Medium-sized tomatoes – finely chopped
• 1 mid-sized Onion – finely chopped
• 1 and 1/2 inch ginger – finely grated
• 2-3 tablespoons Ghee
• 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• pinch of Asafetida

Method of Preparation (1 hour)

Excludes 9-10 hours of soaking of horse gram

1. Wash and soak the daal for 9-10 hours/overnight. This is essential as it is really hard and needs all the soaking time to soften up and be properly cooked.
2. Drain the water out of the daal. Add the daal in a pressure cooker.
3. Add enough water so as to cover the daal by two inches.
4. Add salt and turmeric.
5. Close the pressure cooker and let the mixture cook for 30 mins to 45 mins or for 7-8 whistles to make a soft and smooth soup.
6. Heat a pan. Add Ghee. Once the oil is a little hot, add the Asafetida, mustard seeds, and cumin seeds.
7. Let the seeds splutter and then add onions, garlic, and ginger till they turn golden brown.
8. Add Coriander powder and stir for few seconds.
9. Add chopped tomato and let it cook for another 5 mins.
10. Add the lentil soup, mix well, and let the mix cook for another 15 mins or put in the pressure cooker for 5-10 mins.
11. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve with chapati, parantha, or rice.
12. Enjoy with your meal!

References

Rujuta Diwekar on Kulith a super pulse

Isha Sadhguru

Medicinal properties of kulith