Usal (A Mung-Bean Curry)

Usal is one of those everyday Indian curries that punches way above its weight in flavor.

Cooked mung beans get simmered with a base of popping cumin seeds, grated ginger, garlic, onions, and tomato, layered with turmeric, coriander, cayenne, and curry powder.

The whole thing comes together in under an hour and fills your kitchen with the kind of warm, spiced aroma that makes everyone drift toward the stove.

Finish with a squeeze of lemon and fresh cilantro, then scoop it up with roti or pile it over steamed rice.

Chef Tips

• Let the cumin seeds fully pop and sizzle before adding onions; this releases their essential oils for deeper flavor
• Cook the spice powders briefly in oil before adding the beans to bloom the flavors and remove any raw taste
• Use the reserved bean cooking water for a thinner, soupier curry, or skip it for a thicker, drier version
• This freezes beautifully; make a double batch and stash portions for quick weeknight meals