The horse gram is a legume that is commonly referred to as a pulse and is grown in India. It is commonly used as a basic ingredient in livestock feed, but it is also used in a variety of human dishes. Horse grams come in a variety of colors and textures and can be prepared in a variety of ways.
Horse grams are oval-shaped beans that are typically thin and small in size. These legumes come in a variety of colors, including brown, red, and black, with shades ranging from pale to deep. The method of preparation is similar to that of many other types of beans. After soaking the dried horse grams in water overnight, they are cooked slowly for several hours. During the cooking process, any spices or meat drippings can be used to season them. The beans can be served as a side dish or used as an ingredient in a more elaborate dish once they are fully cooked.
Horse grams have a flavor that is best described as earthy. They absorb the flavor of different types of seasonings very well, as they have a natural flavor that is similar to a cross between a black bean and a kidney bean. These beans, like chickpeas, can be served cold or hot, and they can be pulverized to make a paste that resembles hummus.
The production of a sauce is one of the most common uses of horse grams in India. The cooked beans are mixed with salt and ground into a paste. The paste is fermented, yielding a sauce that is similar to soy sauce. This sauce keeps well and can be used to flavor both main courses and side dishes like vegetables and noodles.
Horse grams are a common food for both humans and livestock, but they don’t have a good reputation. The beans are considered most appropriate for consumption by people with limited financial means due to their essentially earthy taste and the ease with which they are grown. However, as they have grown in popularity around the world, some of the stigma surrounding them is dissipating. Horse grams have become more widely available in recipes, and grocery stores that specialize in Indian ingredients frequently stock them, either canned or dry.