Sprouted Mixed Usal Recipe | Maharashtrian Style Usal
Usal Recipe

Sprouted Mixed Usal Recipe | Maharashtrian Style Usal

Siddhi Ballal · June 17, 2026 · 4 min read
Jump to Recipe
Prep 8h
Cook 30-35m
Total 8-9h
Serves 2-3
Level Easy

Sprouted Usal is a simple, filling, and flavourful Maharashtrian-style recipe made with mixed pulses, onion, coconut, coriander, and basic spices. In Marathi it named as “Kadadhanya” means pulses or legumes, and usal is a common homestyle dish made in many Maharashtrian and Konkani homes. It can be made slightly dry or a little moist depending on how you like to serve it.

This Sprouted Usal Recipe is perfect for everyday meals because it is made with simple kitchen ingredients and does not need any fancy masala. The taste comes from slowly cooked onion, basic spices, softened pulses, fresh coriander, and grated coconut. When everything is mixed and cooked together, the usal gets a warm, earthy, and homemade flavour.

The cooking process is very simple. First, the pulses are soaked and boiled until soft. Then onion is cooked with oil, tempering, hing, turmeric, chilli powder, and other spices. After the masala is cooked properly, the boiled Sprouted is added and mixed well. Finally, coriander and coconut are added to complete the dish. The final usal should be flavourful, slightly spicy, and full of homemade taste.

This is not a restaurant-style dish with heavy gravy. It is more like the food we eat at home — simple, warm, and satisfying. The masala sticks nicely to the pulses, and every spoon has a mix of soft pulses, onion, coconut, and coriander. It is especially good for lunch because it keeps you full for a long time.

Preparation of Sprouted Mixed Usal Before Cooking:

First finely chop the onion, grate the coconut, chop the fresh coriander, and keep all the spices ready. If you are using tomato, chop that as well and keep it aside before starting the cooking process. After preparing all these ingredients, wash the mixed pulses properly and soak them overnight or for at least 7–8 hours. Then drain the water and pressure cook the pulses with fresh water and a little salt until they become soft. Do not overcook them completely, because the pulses should still hold their shape in the usal.

Preparation of Mixed Sprouted Usal Recipe
Preparation of Mixed Sprouted Usal Recipe

Why This Sprouted Usal Feels So Homely:

Sprouted Usal has a very simple homemade taste. It does not depend on heavy gravy or too many spices. The flavour comes slowly from cooked onion, basic masala, soft pulses, grated coconut, and fresh coriander. That is why this usal feels warm and comforting, especially when served with chapati, bhakri, or rice.

This recipe is also very flexible. You can make it dry like a bhaji, or keep it slightly moist if you want to eat it with rice. The pulses absorb the masala nicely, so every bite has a mix of softness, spice, and fresh coconut flavour.

Why This Mixed Pulses Usal Tastes Different:

The main difference in this Sprouted Usal is the texture. Unlike regular dal or curry, this usal has a nice bite because the pulses are cooked but not mashed completely. This makes the dish more filling and enjoyable.

The coconut and coriander added at the end give it a fresh traditional taste. Coconut makes the usal slightly rich, while coriander balances the spices with freshness. This small finishing step makes the recipe taste more like home-style Maharashtrian or Konkani cooking.

When to Serve Mixed Sprouted Usal:

Sprouted Usal is a good option for lunch, dinner, or tiffin. For lunch, serve it with chapati, bhakri, or steamed rice. For dinner, you can keep the meal light by serving it with phulka and curd. For tiffin, make the usal slightly dry so it stays neat and easy to eat.

This sprouted recipe also works well when you want something more filling than regular vegetable bhaji. Since it is made with pulses, it keeps you full for a longer time and still feels like simple home food.

Kadadhanya Usal Recipe | Homestyle Mixed Pulses Usal
“Serving Sprouted Usal with Soft Chapati
Sprouted Mixed Usal Recipe | Maharashtrian Style Usal
Side Dish
Prep
8h
Cook
30-35m
Total
8-9h
Servings
2-3
Difficulty
Easy

Ingredients

Tap to check off as you go

Optional Ingredients

Method

  1. 1

    Wash the Sprouted well and soak it overnight. Next day, drain the soaked water.

    Step 1 — Sprouted Mixed Usal Recipe | Maharashtrian Style Usal
  2. 2

    Add the pulses to a pressure cooker with fresh water and a little salt. Cook until the pulses become soft but not mushy.

    Step 2 — Sprouted Mixed Usal Recipe | Maharashtrian Style Usal
  3. 3

    Heat oil in a kadai or deep pan. Add mustard seeds and let them crackle. Then add jeera, hing, and curry leaves if using. Let everything release a nice aroma.

    Step 3 — Sprouted Mixed Usal Recipe | Maharashtrian Style Usal
  4. 4

    Add finely chopped onion and sauté on medium flame until soft. Then add chopped tomato and green chilli, and cook until the tomatoes become soft and blend well with the onion mixture.

    Step 4 — Sprouted Mixed Usal Recipe | Maharashtrian Style Usal
  5. 5

    Then add diced potato and cook for 3–4 minutes. And add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, garam masala or homemade masala, and salt. Mix well and cook the masala for 1–2 minutes on low flame.

    Step 5 — Sprouted Mixed Usal Recipe | Maharashtrian Style Usal
  6. 6

    Add the boiled mixed pulses to the cooked masala. Add a little water only if needed. Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes on low to medium flame.

    Step 6 — Sprouted Mixed Usal Recipe | Maharashtrian Style Usal
  7. 7

    Once the pulses absorb the masala, add grated coconut and chopped coriander leaves. Mix gently and cook for another 1–2 minutes.

    Step 7 — Sprouted Mixed Usal Recipe | Maharashtrian Style Usal
  8. 8

    Turn off the flame and serve the Sprouted Usal hot with chapati, bhakri, rice, or phulka.

Aaji's Tip

Do not make the pulses too mushy. Sprouted Usal tastes best when the pulses are soft but still have a little bite. Also, add fresh coconut and coriander at the end, because it gives the usal a fresh homemade taste.

Notes
If you want dry usal, add very little water and cook until the masala coats the pulses nicely. If you want a softer usal for rice, add a little more water and simmer for a few extra minutes. You can also add a little lemon juice before serving for a fresh taste.
Share this recipe Pinterest Facebook WhatsApp
From the Kitchen of
Siddhi Ballal

Celebrating the coastal flavours and food heritage of the Konkan coast — one recipe at a time.

Leave a Review

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *