Matki chi Usal (Moth Bean Curry)

It’s President’s day today here in the U.S. and I am among the very few losers who has to work on this day. Nothing is more depressing than being the only one going to work while your significant other gives you the “sucks to be you” look while cozily snuggled up in a blanket. It reminds me of my school days when only some of the kids would have the day off on 'Rang Panchami' (A Maharashtrian version of Holi, 2nd day). It was pure torture to hear the kids in the school neighbourhood playing with their colours, splashing each other with coloured water on each other and throwing water balloons, while you sat in the 1:40 p.m. history class pretending to be interested in the renaissance in Europe. Today is a lot like that except that it is 25 years later and the urge to not be here is just as strong. Instead, I’d much rather be at home with Scanlynn and my cats enjoying some simple comfort food like Matki Usal and Chapati instead of what passes for lunch time fare here in midtown Manhattan.

Ingredients
2 cups Matki sprouts (Moth Beans)
1 Onion chopped
½ tsp Chili powder
½ tsp Turmeric
1 tsp Maharashtrian Goda Masala
3 tsp Cilantro chopped
3 tbsp Olive Oil
Salt to taste

Method
Heat oil in a wok
Reduce to medium heat once hot and add onion.
Fry onions till translucent, tender and brown on edges
Add chili, turmeric and goda masala and allow it to cook for a minute or two
Add matki, cilantro and salt and allow it to cook for a few minutes
If you desire some sauce, add a cup of water
Allow it to boil for a few minutes with a lid on till matki is cooked
Serve with hot chapati or rice and yogurt