Ulavacharu is a famous Andhra delicacy made from slow-cooked horse gram (ulavalu). Traditionally simmered for hours, it develops a thick, brown, smoky rasam-like texture with a deep earthy taste. Commonly enjoyed with hot rice and ghee, it is both comforting and nutritious.
Ingredients
To Cook Horse Gram
- Horse gram (ulavalu) – 1 cup
- Water – 4 cups
- Salt – ½ tsp
To Make Ulavacharu
- Tamarind – small lemon-sized (soaked)
- Onion – 1 (finely chopped, optional)
- Green chillies – 3
- Red chilli powder – 1 tsp
- Turmeric – ¼ tsp
- Salt – as needed
- Jaggery – 1 tsp (optional)
To Grind
- Coconut – 2 tbsp
- Cumin seeds – ½ tsp
- Garlic – 3 cloves
Tempering
- Oil – 1 tbsp
- Mustard seeds – ½ tsp
- Cumin seeds – ½ tsp
- Hing – a pinch
- Dry red chillies – 2
- Curry leaves – few
Preparation Process
1. Cook Horse Gram
- Wash horse gram thoroughly.
- Soak overnight in 3–4 cups of water.
- Next day, do not discard the soaked water — use the same water for cooking.
- Add salt and pressure-cook for 15 whistles on medium flame.
- Strain the cooked water and keep it aside.
- Mash the cooked ulavalu well and strain again to extract maximum liquid.
- This thick extract is the base for ulavacharu.
2. Prepare Masala Paste
- Grind coconut, cumin, and garlic into a smooth paste.
3. Make Ulavacharu
- In a pot, add the extracted horse gram liquid.
- Add tamarind juice, chopped onion (optional), green chillies, turmeric, red chilli powder, and salt.
- Boil for 10–12 minutes.
- Add the ground coconut-cumin-garlic paste.
- Simmer on low flame for another 10 minutes until slightly thick.
- Add jaggery (optional) and cook for 2 more minutes.
4. Prepare Tempering
- Heat oil.
- Add mustard, cumin, hing, dry red chillies, and curry leaves.
- Pour this tempering over the ulavacharu.
- Simmer for 2 minutes.
Serve
- Serve hot with rice and ghee.
- Also tastes great as a side with idli, dosa, or steamed snacks.
Tips
- Cooking for 15 whistles gives a deep, rich extract.
- Longer simmering gives thicker, restaurant-style ulavacharu.
- Onion is optional; add only if you prefer a stronger aroma.
- Jaggery balances tanginess and enhances flavour.
- Add extra horse gram water if you want a smoky, traditional taste.
Variations
- Creamy Ulavacharu: Add 2 tbsp fresh cream or milk at the end.
- Spicy Version: Add crushed pepper.
- Without Coconut: Skip coconut and add ½ tsp coriander powder.
Health Benefits
- Excellent source of iron and protein.
- Helps in weight loss and improves digestion.
- Good for bone strength and stamina.
- Supports blood sugar control due to its low glycemic index.