Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Green Sprouts Adai

Amma was visiting last week, so we were having a bit of fun planning meals. One day, we were thinking what to make for dinner on a day later in the week. I remembered that I had some kollu (horsegram dal) and thought we could make something with that. Somehow, the idea of adai came up. Usually adai is made sort of similar to uthappam in thickness, but the batter consists of a combination of lentils/dals. Suddenly, inspiration struck and I thought, we could use whole moong dal in combination with the horsegram dal and sprout both dals before using them.

To make sprouts, take the required amounts of the dals and soak them in water for about 12 hours. Then, drain off the liquid and place the dals in a moist cloth towel for 24-48 hours. You will see the dals sprouting by that point. Just make sure that the cloth stays damp and you'll have no problems.

For the adai, we didn't stray much from the usual adai ingredients. We added ginger, green chillies, and chopped onion. But, we also decided to add a bunch of spinach to give it even more nutrients. So, this is one power packed meal that Popeye would be proud of!

nutritious and delicious!

Ingredients:

Whole moong dal - 1 cup, measured before sprouting
Horsegram dal - 1 cup, measured before sprouting
Red onions - 2 medium, chopped
Ginger - 2 inch piece, rough chopped
Green chillies - 15, or to taste
Spinach - 1 medium bunch, rough chopped
Salt - to taste

Method:

1. Sprout the dals first.
Soak them in water for about 12 hours. Then, drain off the liquid and place the dals in a moist cloth towel for 24-48 hours. You will see the dals sprouting by that point. Just make sure that the cloth stays damp and you'll have no problems with this step!

2. Now, take the sprouts, ginger, and green chillies in a mixie or blender and grind to a coarse, fairly thick paste.

3. Add the spinach to the above mixture and pulse until combined. Add salt to taste and onions.

4. Heat a tava or griddle on medium heat. Place a small amount of batter on the tava and slowly spread it using a spoon until it's thicker than dosa, but a little thinner than uthappam. Drizzle a few drops of oil around and cover.

5. Flip over and cook until done (about 3-4 minutes per side). Be careful that the pan is not too hot or else the adai won't be cooked through by the time it browns!

Serve warm with coconut chutney or any other desired chutney. Enjoy!


This power packed adai is off to dear Srivalli for her awesome dosa mela!

38 comments:

Meera said...

Wow adding horsegram is a great idea. I generally make with only green moong sprouts. will add horsegram next time. looks delicious, thanks for sharing.

Sagari said...

very healthy adai kalai

Dhivya said...

wow!looks so green kalai:))healthy and yumm one

Annu said...

This is something new.....looks colourful.

indosungod said...

Delicious Kalai, sprouting the dals before using them, packs a protein punch for sure. Love the scoop of coconut chutney on top :)

Unknown said...

looks healthy kalai..nice entry..

Namratha said...

The colour is very appealing Kalai, I bet it tasted gr8!:)

Srivalli said...

kalai..that looks so green and wonderful!..thanks for the entry!

Cham said...

It looks delicious & Healthy ur adai and the colour is really tempting Kalai.

Uma said...

the dosa looks delicious, kalai! Nice green color.

Lavanya Raj said...

Really a power packed where popeye would be very happy to have.

Have nice time with your amma.

jayasree said...

thats one nutritious, colorful and delcious adai.... Now I have one more recipe for horsegram. The idea of using sprouted grams is good.

Seena said...

Oh,I didn't see this y'day..made curry with the sprouts.. will try once.How to avoid one healthy dish? So you are enjoining with mom, lucky girl.. :)

Unknown said...

Kalai such anice and haelthy recipe..i love the colour:)

SMN said...

Hey the colour is so nice must be tating really good

Richa said...

adai looks so tempting, kalai! love the color :)

Daily Meals said...

Sounds new and healthy Kalai!

Mansi said...

Hmm..now i know you were busy with amma!:) the adai looks delicious gal, and thanks for the horsegram idea, though I was leanin towards dal:)!hehee

Finla said...

Love the dosa and the colour

Madhavi said...

Looks very healthy and mouth watering kalai!! nice entry..

Anonymous said...

Wow....great entry,Kalai. Very innovative and healthy treat :)

Cynthia said...

Wow! I love learning about new dishes.

Kalai said...

Meera, thank you! Horsegram definitely makes it even healthier and still tastes great! :)

Sagari, Dhivya, Annu, thanks girls! :)

Indo, definitely a protein punch! :)

Divya, thank you! :)

Namratha, it was awesome! :)

Kalai said...

Srivalli, thank you for hosting. Can't wait for the roundup! :)

Uma, I loved the color too! :)

Lavi, thanks!

Jayasree, horsegram recipes always useful, right? :)

Seena, would love to see your curry, too! :)

Saswati, SMN, Richa, thank you! :)

Kalai said...

Daily meals, yummy, too! :)

Mansi, looking forward to your creation! :)

Happy cook, thank you! :)

Madhavi, Homecooked, thanks a lot! :)

Cynthia, me too! Your entries are always so eye-opening to me! :)

DK said...

OMG!!!! U r amazingly fast dear. I jus posted it...almost not even finished adding the post editing when I see ur comment! Hats off! :)


I have not used Horsegram till now...dunno if we get it here..need to research it out...Urs luks all green,healthy and wealthy. Good one :)

Nangil Girl said...

Wow!! Just the colour is so tempting! Will definetly try this. Thanks!

KellytheCulinarian said...

Nutritious and delicious? Impressive!

Jayashree said...

That sure is one healthy dosa, girl...

Sia said...

kalai, that has to be one the gorgeous dosa i had ever seen. green and beautiful. and i just turned green when i read ur mom is with u;)

Shubha Ravikoti said...

Adding Spinach is such a nice idea....:) it looks so tempting...loved it.... amazing kalai....:P

do check my blog updates...:)

Deeba PAB said...

Whoa...this sounds full of 'horse-power'...what a great idea. Popeye would certainly be proud of it! Great idea!

TBC said...

OMG! That is super healthy! and I love the color too!

Happy New Year, Kalai.:-)

Archy said...

Healthy Dosa Kalai.. Pic is so tempting.. feels like some wonderful dessert with a pista ice cream scoop on it !! Lovely Dear !!

Pravs said...

wow, so green ! really a healthy one.

Sunshinemom said...

Oh! good one. I liked the colour very much!

bee said...

i have never cooked with horsegram, but i will buy some just to try this adai.

Deepa Kuber said...

Adai looks perfect.. lovely color