Today, people often talk about quinoa, chia seeds, and kale being among the most healthful foods. Still, one grain stands out as a shining star that should be celebrated again — Horse Gram. In Tamil, it is known as Kollu, in Hindi as Kulthi, and Kannada as Hurali. For years, this legume has provided nourishment to Indian families.
At some point, we decided to switch from supporting local to buying imported products.
The goal at Raji’s Kitchen is to bring back old ways of cooking using new ingredients. This blog will tell you about horse gram in the kitchen, discussing its health properties and simple dishes your family will enjoy.
What is Horse Gram?
Horse gram is a type of brown lentil that is noted for being tough and quick-cooking. Traditionally, horses are fed hay, and that’s why it was named that way, but that doesn’t mean it’s poor quality for humans. For a long time, it has been important to Ayurveda and South Indian cooking.
Because it has lots of protein, antioxidants, and iron as well as calcium and polyphenols, urban families pick it for a healthy diet.
Why Should You Reconnect With Horse Gram?
Here’s why horse gram deserves a second look — especially in Indian kitchens:
1. High in Nutrition but Low in Calories
Horse gram is rich in both protein and fiber, which is why it is good for both those who want to lose weight and vegetarians. Putting wholesome ingredients into these baked goods allows many people with diabetes to enjoy them.
2. Helps You Lose Weight
As a result of having a lot of fiber, horse gram helps people feel less hungry after meals. In combination with a balanced diet, green tea lowers your cravings and also burns fat in your abdominal area.
3. A Good Detoxifier
Ayurveda considers horse gram as a warming food. It aids in removing toxins and is suggested during changes in seasons to clean the inside.
4. Monitors Diabetes & Cholesterol
Because horse gram has a low glycemic index with lots of antioxidants, it is useful for controlling blood sugar and lipid levels.
5. Locally & economically sourced
Since horse gram is easy to get, is environmentally friendly, and is not expensive, cooking with it makes your kitchen more eco-friendly and less costly.
Horse Gram in Traditional Indian Kitchens
In many Tamil households, horse gram rasam (kollu rasam) was a winter staple. Its warming nature was believed to cure colds and improve digestion. Across India, it was ground into chutneys, added to soups, or served as sprouted salads.
But as urban kitchens embraced quick-fix meals and packaged foods, many of these age-old recipes faded into the background.
Now is the time to bring them back in smarter, simpler, and more modern ways.
How to Cook Horse Gram: The Basics
Before diving into recipes, here’s how you prepare horse gram:
1. Soaking:
Always soak overnight (at least 8–12 hours). This reduces cooking time and helps in nutrient absorption.
2. Pressure Cooking:
Cook soaked horse gram in a pressure cooker with 3 cups of water for 4–5 whistles. Add salt only after it's cooked.
3. Sprouting:
You can also sprout horse gram by soaking, draining, and keeping it covered in a cloth or sprouter for 24–36 hours. Sprouted kollu is even more nutritious and easier to digest.
Modern Recipes with a Traditional Touch
You don’t have to rely only on rasam or poriyal to enjoy horse gram. Here are some delicious ideas you can try in your modern kitchen.
1. Horse Gram Soup (Protein-Packed)
Ingredients:
½ cup cooked horse gram
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves
1 small tomato
Pepper, cumin, salt to taste
Method:
Blend all ingredients. Simmer with a little ghee and water. Add black pepper and lemon juice before serving.
Perfect for: Rainy evenings, post-workout meals
2. Kollu Paratha (Healthy Flatbread)
Ingredients:
1 cup wheat flour
½ cup horse gram flour (powdered)
Chopped onions, green chili, coriander
Salt, ajwain, water
Method:
Make a dough and roll out parathas. Cook on a tawa with ghee.
Perfect for: Kids’ lunchboxes or a power-packed breakfast
3. Sprouted Horse Gram Salad
Ingredients:
1 cup sprouted horse gram
Chopped cucumber, onion, and tomato
Lemon juice, salt, pepper, and chat masala
Method:
Toss everything together and enjoy fresh.
Perfect for: Mid-morning snack or a post-lunch crunch
4. Kollu Rasam (Immunity Booster)
Ingredients:
Cooked horse gram water
Tamarind juice
Rasam powder, curry leaves, mustard, garlic
Method:
Temper mustard and curry leaves in ghee. Add rasam powder, tamarind water, kollu water, and salt. Simmer. Garnish with coriander.
Perfect for: Cold relief, light dinners
Raji’s Tip: Make Horse Gram Powder!
At Raji’s Kitchen, we often recommend keeping horse gram powder handy. Just dry roast the lentils and grind them into a coarse powder.
You can use it in:
Idli or dosa batter
Rotis
Energy laddus
Even smoothies!
It’s a smart way to sneak in nutrition without changing your daily routine.
How Raji’s Kitchen is Bringing Back Horse Gram
At Raji’s Kitchen, we believe in reviving traditional ingredients the right way — with convenience and authenticity. That’s why we craft kollu kanji mix (horse gram porridge), kollu rice mix using only chemical-free, natural ingredients.
When you shop with us, you're not just buying a product — you're supporting a food culture that values wellness, tradition, and sustainability.
Explore our collection at 👉 www.rajiskitchen.in
Quick Tips to Include Horse Gram in Daily Meals
Add 1 spoon of horse gram powder to your regular atta
Sprinkle on your buttermilk or curd for a probiotic boost
Mix into your chutneys or podis
Blend into soups and gravies for added depth
Remember, a small addition can create big health changes.
Final Thoughts: Let’s Reconnect With Our Roots
Horse gram is more than just a food item. It’s a symbol of resilience, heritage, and nutrition — something our ancestors understood deeply.
In a world where we're constantly looking outside for solutions, it’s time we looked inward — into our grandmother’s kitchen and India’s forgotten superfoods.
Let’s bring back horse gram, one bowl at a time.
FAQs
1. Can horse gram be eaten daily?
Yes, but in moderation. Since it generates heat, it’s ideal for winter and monsoon. During summer, consume cooling foods like curd or buttermilk.
2. Is horse gram good for PCOS or weight loss?
Absolutely. Horse gram helps balance hormones, improves digestion, and supports fat loss, especially belly fat.
3. Where can I buy homemade horse gram powder?
You can find it at Raji’s Kitchen Store, made with traditional methods and no preservatives.
Ready to bring back horse gram to your table?
Explore our products and recipes made with love, just like Amma’s kitchen — only at Raji’s Kitchen.
