How many calories does one serving of Usal have?

One serving of Usal gives 222 calories. Out of which carbohydrates comprise 61 calories, proteins account for 19 calories and remaining calories come from fat which is 142 calories.  One serving of Usal provides about 7 percent of the total daily calorie requirement of a standard adult diet of 2,000 calories.

See Usal recipe. A traditional Maharashtrian recipe of spicy pulses in a thin watery gravy which is usually eaten with bread. Usal is served in almost all street side eateries in Maharashtra. One such eatery where I never miss the usal is situated on the road from Mumbai to Pune. They serve the most lip smacking usal along with 2 pieces of pav which is filling enough to keep me satiated through the journey.

Is Usal healthy?

Yes, this is healthy, BUT drop having the usal with bread.

Let's understand the Ingredients.

What's good.

1. Sprouts ( mixed sprouts) : Sprouts contain enzymes that aid digestion and are alkaline in nature. Sprouting increases the availability of proteins. For example, on sprouting, the protein content of moong increases by 30%.  On sprouting, the seed becomes a veritable nutrient factory with a greater concentration of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K and B-complex. Sprouts are a good source of fibre , good for diabetic and heart friendly. See detailed health benefits of sprouts. 

2. Onions (pyaz, kanda) :  Raw onions are a very valuable source of vitamin C – the immune building vitamin. Along with other phytonutrients from onions, it helps to build WBC (white blood cells) which serves as a line of defence against illness. Yes, it’s a source of many antioxidants, the most important one amongst them being Quercetin. The quercetin which promotes production of HDL (good cholesterol) and lowers total cholesterol in the body. The sulphur in onions act as a blood thinner and prevents blood clotting too. This in turn would lower blood pressure and good for heart,  diabetics. Read the benefits of onions. 

3. Tomatoes : Tomatoes are extremely rich source of Lycopene. Tomatoes are a powerful antioxidant, super rich in Vitamin C, good for heart. Tomatoes are a Pregnant women's friend and are rich in Folate or Folic Acid which helps your body to produce and maintain new cells, especially red blood cells. Read about 13 amazing benefits of tomatoes.   

4. Coriander (kothmir, dhania) : The antioxidants vitamin A, vitamin C and the quercetin present in coriander works towards strengthening our immune system. Coriander is a fairly good source of iron and folate – the 2 nutrient which help in the production and maintenance of red blood cells in our blood. Good for reducing cholesterol and for diabetics. Read 9 benefits of coriander to understand details. 

Can diabetics, heart patients and over weight individuals have Usal  ?

Yes.Sprouts are a good source of fibre , good for diabetic and heart friendly. The quercetin in onions which promotes production of HDL (good cholesterol) and lowers total cholesterol in the body. You may want to cut the oil a bit. 

Can healthy individuals have Usal ?

Yes, sprouts are always healthy. Instead of bread, we suggest a bajra roti, jowar roti, radish nachni roti recipe or whole wheat roti to make a healthy combination.

Usal is high in

1. Vitamin C :  Vitamin C is a great defence against coughs and colds.

Note : a recipe is deemed high in a Vitamin or mineral if it meets 20% and above the recommended daily allowance based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

How to burn 222 calories that come from Usal?

Walking (6 kmph) = 67 mins

Running (11 kmph) = 22 mins

Cycling (30 kmph) = 30 mins       

Swimming (2 kmph) = 38 mins

Note: These values are approximate and calorie burning differs in each individual.