Muthira upperi or muthira mezhukkupuratti is a side dish for rice. Mezhukkupuratti is a general name for dry side dish made in Kerala.  There are two types of side dishes made : thoran and mezhukkupuratti. Thoran is made with addition of coconut to it, but mezhukkupuratti is made without coconut and with addition of onion, chili powder and few other ingredients.

Horse gram is called as muthira or kollu in Malayalam and this mezhukkupuratti is made using horsegram as the main ingredient.   Mezhukkupuratti is little spicy and can be served with any  curry like sambar, theeyal, pulingari or any other curry.

Horsegram is one of the lesser known pulses, but it is one of the healthiest one.  According to ayurveda, it is believed to have a lot of medicinal value, and is also used for the treatment of rheumatism, piles and conjuctivitis.

Ingredients:

muthira / horse gram / kollu – 1 cup

coconut oil – 1 tablespoon

water – 3 1/2 cups

for tempering

mustard seeds – 1 teaspoon

dry red chili – 2

curry leaves – few

onion – 1 (finely chopped)

turmeric powder – 1/2 teaspoon

red chili powder – 1/2 teaspoon

salt – to taste

How to make muthira upperi

1.  Wash horse gram well in water and soak overnight or for 6 – 7 hours.

2.  Add enough water and pressure cook for 1 whistle in high flame and then reduce the flame, and cook for another 10 minutes or until horse gets cooked well.  (It should be cooked well, but not mushy. )

3.  In a pan heat oil.  Splutter mustard seeds.  Then add dry red chili, curry leaves and saute for a few seconds.

4.  Add finely chopped onion, crushed ginger, and saute till it becomes brownish in color.

5.  Add cooked horse gram along with the cooked water, bring it to a boil.  Reduce the flame, cook again for another 5 minutes or until the entire water gets evaporated.

6.  Turn off the flame.  Serve with rice and sambar or any other curry of your choice.