HORSE GRAM

     Horse Gram called as Kollu, Kulthi, Hurali, Ulavalu, Muthira or Madras Gram is one of the least known or used bean variety around the world.  Generally used as a cattle feed and thus its name Horse Gram.  But it is widely popular in South Indian Cuisine for its enormous health benefits.
     Dehusking the gram, germinating, cooking, and dry roasting the Horse Gram increases its Nutritional Quality. This Gram requires prolonged cooking. Soaking the gram, reduces cooking time and improve its protein quality. Moth bean/Horse Gram is mostly consumed as Dhal or as Sprouts.

• It is high in Iron, Calcium and Protein. 
• Horse Gram has the highest Calcium content among Pulses.
• It is one of the richest vegetarian sources of Protein
• Horse Gram is low in Fat.
• It is high in Carbohydrate content.
• It is low in Lipid and Sodium content.
• The slow digestibility of the starch makes it ideal for Diabetics
•  It is also best for Obesity.

Horse Gram as Medicine:

• Horse gram is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids and proteins, the major antioxidants. It helps to keep your body young and vibrant! 
• Horse gram seeds have the ability to reduce high blood sugar, by slowing down carbohydrate digestion and reducing insulin resistance.It is one of the best Diabetic friendly food.
• It is used for the treatment of Asthma & Bronchitis.
• It is also used in the treatments of Kidney Stones and Urinary Discharge.
• It also treats Leucoderma and Heart Diseases. 
• Ayurvedic Cuisine uses Horse Gram to treat Jaundice or Water Retention.
• Horse gram has the power to cure Rheumatism, Worms, Conjunctivitis and Piles.
• Horse gram has Astringent and Diuretic Properties, which proves beneficial for extracting Phlegmand controlling Fever.
• It also helps to reduce the Cholesterol levels. 
• The lipid extracts of this legumes are beneficial for treating Peptic Ulcers.
• It can reduce Flatulence and control various Menstrual Problems.

Obesity :

"Elachavanukku Ella Kudu, Kozhuthavanukku Kolla Kudu" is a famous Tamil saying which tells Feed a Frail Person with Sesame Seeds and an Obese Person with Horse Grams.

     The presence of Phenol in the legume has the ability to generate heat and energy in our body system.  Thus it helps us to burn the fatty tissue in the body and lowering the Cholesterol levels.  It also helps us to keep warm on a cold Winter Day.

Cooking Methods :

Sprouting :

     One best way to eat this legume is by sprouting them.  As these legumes are difficult to digest, sprouting makes them easily digestible.  Soak Horse Grams with enough water overnight.  Then drain the water and put them in a Clean Kitchen Cloth and tie them up into a knot and leave it to sprout for three to four days.  If the sprouts are longer then it can be consumed raw.  These grams require a lot of chewing, so they are very good for the digestive system.

Soaking and Cooking :

     Soak the legumes overnight or at least for 6-8 hours before cooking them.  Drain the water used for soaking.  Add fresh water to cover the legumes and cook them in a sauce pan for about 30 - 45 minutes until they are soft.  Alternatively, they can be cooked in a Pressure Cooker for 6-8 whistles.
      Cooked Horse Grams can be used to make Kollu Masiyal or Kollu Sundal.
      Excess water used for cooking Horse Gram can be used to make Kollu Rasam.

Dry Roasting :

      Horse Grams can be dry roasted in low flame for few minutes until they turn aromatic.  Then they can be cooked as for Dhals.
      they can also be powdered and added into Kollu Rasam or used to make Kollu Podi or Kollu Chutney.

RECIPES WITH HORSE GRAM :

• Horse Gram / Kollu Masiyal
• Horse Gram / Kollu Chutney
• Horse Gram / Kollu Sundal
• Horse Gram / Kollu Rasam
• Horse Gram / Kollu Podi