Ulavakattu Recipe
Ulavakattu Recipe is a medium Indian recipe that serves 4. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Mini TV Renu's kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 32 min | Total: 57 min
Cost: $4.20 total, $1.05 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Ulav (Black Gram) (dry, whole beans)
- 30 grams Tamarind (small ball, soaked in warm water to extract juice)
- 3 cups Water (three times the volume of tamarind juice)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
- 0.25 teaspoon Turmeric Powder (ground, for color and health benefits)
- 1 teaspoon Red Chili Powder (adjust heat level)
- 1 teaspoon Coriander Powder
- 0.25 teaspoon Cumin Powder
- 2 tablespoons Oil (vegetable or sunflower oil)
- 2 pieces Dried Red Chilies (whole, broken before adding)
- 5 pieces Garlic Cloves (sliced)
- 1 medium Onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 pieces Green Chilies (slit lengthwise)
- 10 leaves Curry Leaves (fresh)
- 1 pinch Asafoetida (Hing) (adds depth of flavor)
- 1 medium Tomato (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Fry the Ulav
Heat a dry skillet over medium flame, add the whole ulav beans and fry, stirring constantly, until they turn golden brown and become crisp.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: Medium flame
Cool and Grind
Transfer the fried ulav to a plate, let it cool completely, then grind it into a fine powder using a grinder or mortar and pestle.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Tamarind Juice
Take a small piece of tamarind (about 30 g), soak it in ½ cup warm water for 5‑7 minutes, then squeeze to extract the juice into a bowl. Measure 1 cup of tamarind juice.
Time: PT7M
Mix Spice Base
In a mixing bowl combine the tamarind juice, 3 cups water, salt, turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder. Stir well until all powders dissolve.
Time: PT5M
Fry Aromatics
In the large skillet add 2 Tbsp oil, then add dried red chilies, sliced garlic, sliced onion, slit green chilies, and curry leaves. Fry on medium heat until the onion becomes translucent and the spices release aroma.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: Medium heat
Add Tomatoes
Add the chopped tomato to the skillet and cook until the skin separates and the tomato softens, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium heat
Combine Liquids and Simmer
Pour the tamarind‑spice mixture into the skillet, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Bring to boil then simmer
Thicken with Ulav Powder
Gradually whisk in the roasted ulav powder, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Simmer for 10‑12 minutes until the soup thickens and the flavors meld.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: Low simmer
Finish and Serve
Turn off the heat, stir in chopped fresh cilantro, and serve the hot Ulav Chaaru with steamed rice or as a standalone soup.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 20 g
- Fat
- 5 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free
Last updated: April 20, 2026






