Matki Usal is a traditional Maharashtrian dish made with sprouted moth beans (matki). It’s a wholesome, protein-packed curry that’s lightly spiced and bursting with earthy flavors. The sprouts are cooked with onions, tomatoes, coconut, and a blend of aromatic masalas, making it both nutritious and comforting. Usually enjoyed with pav, chapati, or bhakri, Matki Usal is also a key part of the popular Misal Pav — where it’s topped with farsan, onions, and spicy tarri. Perfect...

Matki Usal recipe

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Prep Time
10min
Cook Time
20min
Total Time
30min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 bowl)

For cooking matki

  • sprouted matki (moth beans)
    sprouted matki (moth beans)
    2cups
  • water
    water
    3cups
  • turmeric powder
    turmeric powder
  • red chilli powder
    red chilli powder
  • asafoetida
    asafoetida
  • salt to taste
    salt to taste

For tempering

  • oil
    oil
  • mustard seeds
    mustard seeds
  • Crushed garlic
    Crushed garlic
  • Few curry leaves
    Few curry leaves
  • chopped onion
    chopped onion
    1
  • of coriander leaves
    of coriander leaves
    pinch
  • red chilli powder
    red chilli powder
    1tsp
  • turmeric powder
    turmeric powder
    1tsp
  • garam masala
    garam masala
    1tsp
  • shredded coconut
    shredded coconut
    1tbsp

For garnish

  • chopped coriander leaves
    chopped coriander leaves
  • chopped onion
    chopped onion
  • sev
    sev

How to make Matki Usal

Cooking the matki

  1. Step 1

    In a pressure cooker, add sprouted matki, water, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, asafoetida, and salt.

    Step 1.1: In a pressure cooker, add sprouted matki, water, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, asafoetida, and salt
    Step 1.2: In a pressure cooker, add sprouted matki, water, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, asafoetida, and salt
  2. Step 2

    Pressure cook for 1 whistle and set aside.

    Step 1.1: Pressure cook for 1 whistle and set aside

Tempering and final preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, few curry leaves and crushed garlic. Let them splutter.

    Step 2.1: Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, few curry leaves and crushed garlic
  2. Step 2

    Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Add basic spices and saute for a min. Add turmeric powder and red chilli powder, and mix well.

    Step 2.1: Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent
  3. Step 3

    Add the boiled matki to the pan and bring it to a boil.

    Step 2.1: Add the boiled matki to the pan and bring it to a boil
  4. Step 4

    Add chopped coriander leaves and mix well.

    Step 2.1: Add chopped coriander leaves and mix well

Serving

  1. Step 1

    Serve hot with chopped onion and sev on top, accompanied with bread.

    Step 3.1: Serve hot with chopped onion and sev on top, accompanied with bread

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

53.0kcal (2.65%)

Protein

3.6g (7.3%)

Carbs

8.7g (3.16%)

Sugars

0.8g (1.7%)

Healthy Fat

0.6g

Unhealthy Fat

0.5g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Soak matki overnight and sprout it for at least 10–12 hours. Well-sprouted beans cook faster and taste better.

  2. Pressure cook only for 1 whistle or simmer till soft but not mushy — they should hold shape.

  3. Top with chopped coriander and a bit of freshly grated coconut for aroma and freshness.

FAQS

  1. Can I use unsprouted matki for this recipe?

    Sprouted matki is recommended for better flavor and nutrition, but you can use unsprouted matki. Just soak it overnight before cooking.

  2. What can I serve with Matki Usal?

    Matki Usal is traditionally served with bread, but you can also pair it with rice or chapati.

  3. Can I make this recipe oil-free?

    Yes, you can skip the tempering step and directly cook the matki with spices for an oil-free version.

  4. How long does it take to sprout matki?

    It usually takes 24-36 hours to sprout matki. Soak the beans overnight, then drain and keep them in a damp cloth for sprouting.

  5. Can I store leftover Matki Usal?

    Yes, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.

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Ria Pai

(@riapai009)

Cooking has always been my way of spreading love and warmth. Through this channel, I share recipes close to my heart—some from childhood memories, some

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