Black Beans and Methi Stir Fry (Usal)

When I saw her event for FIC Black or Purple I was intrigued to say the least. She wants us to send her food that has hues either of black or purple. I am not sure about purple, but to prepare food that has hues of black in my opinion is challenging.

I walked around with my head shaking and wondered if she was kidding. I looked at the event detail again to confirm and well, I guess not and it is not even April. In all these years of cooking and experimenting in kitchen I have managed to burn bread, cakes, vegetables, masalas just about everything. Now that is black hue for sure, but I guess that is neither appealing nor appetizing for anybodyJ. I have used Kala Chana (black chickpeas), but even though it is called “Kala” (Black) it has a dark brown hue to it.

After much thinking and prodding I settled for Black bean stir fry. Black beans are a very good source of cholesterol-lowering fiber. In addition to lowering cholesterol, black beans’ high fiber content prevents blood sugar levels from rising too rapidly after a meal, making these beans a good choice for individuals with diabetes, insulin resistance or hypoglycemia. When combined with whole grains such as brown rice, black beans provide virtually fat-free high quality protein. (Source: here)

I like to cook the black beans until it is soft and tender, that way it blends well with cooked onions and methi. Feel free to cook it up to the consistency that suits your taste buds.

This is my contribution to FIC Black or Purple and sure enough I will be watching the roundup very closely.

Ingredients:

1 cup black beans (dry or canned)
¾ cup chopped onions
Handful of fresh methi (fenugreek) chopped
3-4 green chillies
2-3 garlic chopped
Mustard seeds
Cumin seeds
Curry leaves
Salt to taste
Oil
1/2 cup shredded coconut(optional)

Method:

If using the dry variety, make sure to soak the beans overnight or for about 8-10 hours in enough water.
Drain the soaked water completely and pressure cook the beans using sufficient water. Allow to cool.
Take a heavy bottom pan. Add oil and prepare the seasoning with mustard, curry leaves, jeera seeds.
Add the grated garlic, onion and green chillies and sauté until the onion turns transparent. Add salt, chopped fenugreek and mix well.
Add the cooked beans to the onion mixture and stir well. Check for taste. Add more salt, chillies if required. Fianlly mix in the coconut.

Serve hot with rotis/phulkas or with rice.

13 Replies to “Black Beans and Methi Stir Fry (Usal)”

Wow that was really innovative:-) They are black & when I look closely the onions looks purple. Great combination.

That’s a cool idea.. have never tried making a stir-fry with black beans before.

good one RC.. subji looks healthy and filling.

Like to have these with some chips, beans and onions always tastes good.

I am glad you came up with this yummy curry after all that dilemma. This is a mouth-watering and healty curry.

Simply delicious RC…

This is very creative and new to me..

This is a new combination for me – I guess for many:) It looks tasty, and so healthy too! Thanks for sending it to FIC!

This black bean dish looks really yummy.

The curry got black and purple color at the same time. Good shot!

Wonderful recipe..i love blackbeans and am constantly on hunt for some real good recipes with them.Thnks for sharing !

Loved the idea of combining black beans and methi leaves…looks inviting !

I made this tonight with your ‘Bhindi in Spicy Coconut Curry (Bhendya Gojju)’ and rice. It was sooo delicious and quite easy to make! I actually used dry Methi since I could not find fresh today and it still turned out fantastic. Both dishes went very well together. I really impressed tonight! Thanks so much for your effort on this wonderful site!

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