A Traditional Rayalaseema Delicacy Ulava Charu is a cherished dish from Andhra Pradesh, particularly popular in the Rayalaseema and Krishna-Godavari regions. Made from horse gram (ulavalu), this rich and flavorful soup is often served with steamed rice and fresh cream or butter. Here’s how you can prepare this authentic dish at home.
Ingredients Horse gram (ulavalu) –
1 cup Tamarind pulp – 3 tbsp Green chilies – 2 (slit) Curry leaves – a few Garlic – 3–4 cloves (crushed) Red chili powder – 1 tsp Turmeric powder – 1/2 tsp Jaggery – 1 tsp (optional, for mild sweetness) Mustard seeds – 1 tsp Cumin seeds – 1 tsp Dry red chilies – 2 Ghee or oil – 2 tbsp Salt – to taste Water – as needed
Instructions 1. Soak and Cook Horse Gram Wash the horse gram thoroughly and soak it in water for 8–10 hours or overnight. Pressure cook the soaked horse gram with enough water for 6–8 whistles until soft. Strain the cooked horse gram, reserving the liquid for the charu (soup). Mash the cooked horse gram lightly to extract more flavor.
2. Prepare the Charu Base Heat ghee or oil in a pan and add mustard seeds. Let them splutter. Add cumin seeds, dry red chilies, curry leaves, and crushed garlic. Sauté until aromatic. Add slit green chilies, turmeric powder, and red chili powder. Mix well. Pour in the reserved horse gram liquid and add tamarind pulp. Stir to combine.
3. Simmer and Flavor Add salt and jaggery (if using) to balance the tanginess of tamarind. Let the mixture simmer for 15–20 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend. Adjust consistency by adding water if needed.
4. Serve Hot Transfer the Ulava Charu to a serving bowl and garnish with fresh cream or a dollop of butter for added richness. Serve hot with steamed rice, ghee, and sides like raw onions or fryums (appadams). Tips for Best Results Horse Gram Selection: Use fresh and good-quality horse gram for a robust flavor. Tamarind: Adjust the tamarind quantity to suit your preferred level of tanginess. Consistency: Ulava Charu can be made thin (like soup) or slightly thick, depending on your preference. Health Benefits of Ulava Charu Rich in Protein: Horse gram is an excellent source of plant-based protein. Aids Digestion: It’s high in dietary fiber, which promotes gut health. Packed with Nutrients: Loaded with iron, calcium, and antioxidants, Ulava Charu is a nutritious addition to your diet.
Serving Suggestions Serve Ulava Charu hot with steamed rice and a dollop of fresh cream or butter. Pair it with avakaya pickle (mango pickle) for an authentic Andhra meal. For a lighter option, enjoy it as a warm soup on chilly evenings. Nutritional Benefits Rich in protein and fiber: Horse gram is a powerhouse of nutrients, making this dish both healthy and satisfying. Aids digestion: Known for its detoxifying properties, horse gram helps improve gut health. Perfect for winters: The warmth and flavor of Ulava Charu make it an ideal choice during cold weather Enjoy this traditional Andhra delight with family and friends, and experience the authentic flavors of Rayalaseema!
