Authentic Ulava Charu recipe (Horse Gram Soup)

 

Authentic Ulava Charu recipe (Horse Gram Soup)

Ulava Charu: Andhra Horse Gram Soup

A rustic, tangy soup made with protein-packed horse gram—Andhra's ancient remedy for strength and vitality.

🌿 The Legacy of Ulava Charu

For centuries, Andhra farmers and warriors have relied on this iron-rich soup to combat fatigue. Made with horse gram (ulavalu)—one of the earliest cultivated legumes—its tangy-spicy profile comes from tamarind and a unique spice blend called charu podi. Traditionally served in clay bowls during winter harvest festivals.

🌱 Ingredients (Serves 6)

Main Ingredients:

  • ▢ 1 cup horse gram (whole or split)
  • ▢ 1/4 cup tamarind pulp
  • ▢ 1 onion, finely chopped
  • ▢ 2 tomatoes, crushed
  • ▢ 1 tbsp jaggery (or sugar)
  • ▢ 2 tbsp ghee (or oil)

Spice Blend:

  • ▢ 1 tbsp charu podi (or sambar powder)
  • ▢ 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • ▢ 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • ▢ 10-12 curry leaves
  • ▢ 2 dried red chilies
  • ▢ 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • ▢ 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Horse Gram

  1. Soak: Rinse horse gram and soak overnight (or 6 hours).
  2. Pressure cook: Cook with 4 cups water + turmeric for 5 whistles (or boil 45 mins).

Step 2: Prepare the Base

  1. Temper: Heat ghee. Add mustard, cumin, red chilies, and curry leaves.
  2. Sauté: Add onions and ginger-garlic paste. Fry until golden.
  3. Add tomatoes: Cook until mushy (~5 mins).

Step 3: Simmer & Serve

  1. Combine: Add cooked horse gram, tamarind, jaggery, charu podi, and 2 cups water.
  2. Boil: Simmer for 15 mins. Adjust consistency (like lentil soup).
  3. Garnish: With fresh coriander and a squeeze of lemon.

🍚 How to Serve

Classic

With steamed rice & ghee

Healing

As a soup with crushed garlic toast

Modern

With quinoa or millet porridge

💡 Pro Tips from Village Elders

  • Digestion aid: Add 1 tsp asafoetida (hing) while tempering.
  • Charu podi hack: Dry roast 2 tbsp coriander seeds + 1 tsp peppercorns + 3 red chilies, then grind.
  • Quick soak: Use hot water for 2 hours if short on time.
  • Vegan option: Replace ghee with coconut oil.

💪 Why Horse Gram Is a Superfood

  • Iron powerhouse: 7x more iron than spinach (100g = 7mg iron).
  • Weight loss: Low glycemic index (GI: 30) and high fiber.
  • Bone health: Rich in calcium and magnesium.
  • Ayurvedic gem: Traditionally used to treat kidney stones.

🌍 Fascinating Facts

  • Ancient crop: Cultivated in Andhra for over 3,000 years.
  • Warrior’s diet: Fed to Kakatiya dynasty soldiers for stamina.
  • Festive ritual: Served during Makar Sankranti to symbolize prosperity.
  • Global revival: Trended as "poor man’s protein" in health circles.

💬 Community Stories

"My anemia improved within months of drinking this weekly!" — Lakshmi, Hyderabad
"I add drumsticks for extra nutrition—my kids love it!" — Raju, Toronto

Ready to Taste This Ancient Elixir?

Tag your #UlavaCharu creations! 🌿✨

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