Matki usal

Matki Usal in Marathi

Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 3 to 4 persons

Ingredients:
1/2 cup Matki
For Tempering: 2 tsp oil, 2 pinches mustard seeds, 1/8 tsp asafoetida, 1/8 tsp turmeric powder, 1/2 tsp red chili powder
4-5 curry leaves
1/2 tsp goda masala (optional)
2-3 Kokum petals
1 tbsp jaggery
salt to taste

Method:
1) Soak matki in plenty of warm water overnight or for 7-8 hours. Put the soaked matki in a colander for 20 minutes and let the excessive water drain out.
2) Take a muslin cloth or any clean cotton cloth and mound matki at the center. Gather all the edges and tie tightly. Put this pouch at a warm place atleast for 10 to 12 hours. You may require more time if the climate is dry and cold.
3) Put the sprouted matki in water and then discard the water. It will prevent burning when added to hot kadai.
4) Heat oil in a kadai. Add mustard seeds. add hing once mustard seeds crackle. Then add turmeric powder, chili powder and curry leaves. Add matki and saute for few minutes. Add some salt.
5) Cover the pan and cook for few minutes. Sprinkle some water (few tbsps) whenever needed. Do not let matki become dry. Also, don't add too much water. Both will spoil the taste.
6) When matki is half way done, add kokum and goda masala. When matki is almost done, add jaggery and some water. Boil for few minutes. Let the matki cook completely.
Add some fresh scraped coconut and cilantro.
Serve hot with chapati.