MATKICHI BHEL/ SPROUTS BHEL

Matki or moth or Turkish gram is a legume which is eaten almost in all parts of India. It is a rich source of protein and a whole bunch of minerals. It can be had for dinner as a one pot meal or for breakfast.

I have grown up eating matki usal with jowar bhakri. Matki bhel has a childhood memory attached to it. There is a bhel wala who daily comes with his gaadi. He makes such delicious bhel that it used to be very often used as a bribe to get some work done from me. Also it is a treat to watch his onion chopping skills.

My recipe is inspired from the same bhelwala. The matki used in the bhel is boiled. It can also be  steamed with very little water in the pan, which helps to retain its nutrients. 

I add tomatoes and cucumber to increase its nutritional value. I also like to add raw mango and pomegranate. Feel free to add different types of sprouts. There are no specific measurements. You add or skip ingredients according to your choice. Steamed matki, lots of onions and lemon juice are a must to make this bhel very tasty.

Recipe for Matkichi bhel

Ingredients for Matkichi bhel

• 1 cup matki (sprouted and steamed)
• 1 cup puffed rice
• 2 cups onions (finely chopped)
• 1 cup tomatoes (finely chopped)
• 1 cup cucumber (finely chopped)
• ½ cup pomegranate seeds
• ½ cup coriander leaves (finely chopped)
• 1 lemon
• 5 green chillies (roughly chopped)
• Salt to taste
• 1 cup sev or farsan

How to make

Grind the green chillies in a mixer without water to get a coarse paste. Alternatively, finely chop the green chillies.

In a mixing bowl combine all the ingredients one by one.

Add green chilli paste and salt. Squeeze half a lemon. Mix well. Serve immediately.