Horse gram or kollu soup is a simple and easy soup recipe that uses the boiled water and legume. It is low calorie, nutritious and good for weight management.
Horse gram is also known as Kollu in Karnataka, Kulthi or Kulith in Hindi. It is very high in protein and complex carbohydrates.
It is so named as it is fed to horses being so nutritious.
You can also try horsegram dal, rasam, salad and as a stir fry.
I also sprout this legume to enhance its nutritional benefits and then use it. This horse gram soup is delicious in a very homestyle way and is loved by the entire family.

Health Benefits of Horsegram
- It is a very high protein plant food, that is rich in iron, calcium and fibre.
- Horsegram for weight loss is often used as it keeps you satiated for long and is nutritionally very rich. It is high in slow release carbohydrates and fibre.
- Helps with diabetes management as when eaten after a meal, it can reduce glycemic index and better insulin resistance.
- It is considered good for women during their periods and also helps with arthritis and joint pain.
You can prepare Ulava charu or Andhra style horsegram rasam recipe by following the same recipe as given below with the following minor tweaks:
- Blend 3-4 tbsp. of boiled horse gram and add to the boiled horse gram water to make a thick soup.
- Now add the finely chopped green chillies, minced garlic, ½ tsp. pepper powder and salt along with 1 tbsp. tamarind juice. Boil it well.
- Give a tempering of 2 dry red chillies, 1 tsp. mustard seeds and a few curry leaves in 1 tsp. oil. Pour it into the ulavu charu and serve hot with rice.
This ulava charu is delicious and super healthy. A perfect substitute for rasam.
Here's the recipe card:
Horsegram Soup | Kollu Soup | High Protein Weight Loss Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup horsegram soaked in water overnight
- 1-2 green chillies
- 4-5 garlic cloves
- 1 sprig curry leaves
- 1 tbsp. cilantro
- 1 tsp. black salt optional
- Salt to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon or tamarind juice 1 tbsp.
Instructions
- Cook the soaked and drained horsegram in pressure cooker for 3-4 whistles till mushy and well cooked. If using sprouts, one whistle is enough. You can also cook on stovetop.
- Now take 3-4 tbsp. of cooked horsegram and puree in a blender (if you want your soup to be thicker). Add to the boiled horsegram. I leave some cooked horsegram whole for a different texture.
- Now blend together green chillies, curry leaves, garlic and cilantro leaves. Add to the boiled horsegram. Finish with lemon juice or tamarind juice and mix well.
- Consume hot with boiled rice or just as is. It is tasty and really healthy.
Notes
Nutrition
Do tag #rachnacooks if you make this and share pictures. I would love to know if you tried out this easy recipe.
Also if you liked the recipe, I request you to give it a * rating in your comments or on the recipe card. Thanks.
Do also try out these horsegram recipes for weight loss
Horsegram High-Protein Dal Recipe
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Soumya Prasad says
Oh I love kollu! We mallus make it a lot at home even though I don’t make it at my place often. I love making a dry sabzi of this with palak and having it with hot rice and rasam. It is divine.
This soup seems really simple to make and it is so nutritious as well. I’ll be picking up some kollu on my way back home today.
Rachna says
Yummy! I am going to try it your way. ?
Natasha says
Wow what a simple, easy-peasy recipe Rachna. Tell me we just have to garnish the garlic, and curry leaves is it? No tadka? So basically no oil as well, right?
I have so much of this dal just lying at home, now I know what to do. Tonight with my cutlets, it’s going to be Horse gram soup. :)))) Thank you so much.
Rachna says
Haina! It's so simple. Yes, no cooking involved at all. Everything else is garnish. Some people like to give a tadka of mustard and curry leaves but I like it just like this. ? Simple home food. Do share how you liked it.
Bhagyashree says
We even make idli and dosa with horsegram. It is super yum. Kulti helps in kidney stone removal
Rachna says
Super! I am going to try that next, Bhagya. Thanks so much for sharing.
Sanch @ Sanch Writes says
I don’t think I’ve ever eaten this or know what it is but it looks delicious! Must check if I can find the main ingredient here
Sulekha says
Rachna, I need such recipes as I want to eat more healthy dishes to hasten my weight loss. Age is catching up with me and I get back and joint pains more often now. Thanks for the recipe, will try it out and tag you.
bzozme says
thank you very much for your effort and time.
will try this today, looks very delicious and so easy
namaste