Introduction:

Horse Gram Soup, made from a small lentil called Kulthi Dal, is becoming popular again. This brown lentil was once a regular part of Indian food but was slowly forgotten. Now, people are bringing it back because of its amazing health benefits.

Horse gram is full of nutrients like protein, calcium, iron, fiber, and antioxidants. These help keep the body strong and healthy. Many health experts say that horse gram can protect the kidneys and may help prevent kidney damage. It also helps in keeping a healthy liver, which is very important for removing toxins from the body.

Used for centuries in Ayurvedic and folk remedies, Kulthi Dal is known to dissolve kidney stones, reduce fatty liver, and flush out toxins from the body. Its soup form is especially effective because it is easy to digest and helps the body absorb nutrients better.

In today’s health-conscious world, people are looking for food that not only fills the stomach but also heals the body. With rising cases of kidney issues and liver disorders due to poor lifestyle, a simple bowl of horse gram soup can be a game-changer. It’s affordable, easy to prepare, and most importantly—natural.

So, if you’re looking for a home remedy that truly works, try adding horse gram soup to your diet. Sometimes, the best cure isn’t in the medicine cabinet, but already waiting in your kitchen. Embrace this ancient pulse and enjoy the taste of wellness in every spoon.

🟢 2. What is Horse Gram (Kulthi)?

Scientific Name: Macrotyloma uniflorum

Various Local Names Throughout India:

🔸 Description of the Seed:

• 🔹 Appearance: Small, flat, oval-shaped seeds with a hard brown or reddish-brown outer covering.
• 🔹 Taste: Earthy, slightly bitter when raw but turns nutty and delicious after cooking.
• 🔹 Shelf Life: Horse gram has a long shelf life when stored in a cool, dry place—up to 12 months without losing its nutritional value.

🕰️ Historical and Traditional Usage:

• 🪔 Ancient Remedy: Used in Ayurveda for treating kidney stones, liver diseases, and menstrual problems.
• 🥣 Folk Medicine: Consumed as soup or porridge in rural households to treat cold, cough, and improve digestion.
• 🐴 Animal Feed: Originally used to feed horses, hence the name Horse Gram. t was thought to enhance endurance and boost vitality.
• 🌿 Traditional Recipes: Used in making kulthi dal soup, chutneys, parathas, and even sprouted salads.

Horse Gram (Kulthi) is not just a pulse; it is a nutritional powerhouse deeply rooted in our cultural and healing traditions. Whether you call it Kollu, Kulthi, or Hurali, it deserves a permanent place in your modern health routine.

🟢 Why Is It Called a Forgotten Pulse?

🌾 Horse Gram (Kulthi Dal) is one of the oldest pulses grown in India, yet it has become a forgotten treasure in modern kitchens. While pulses like chickpeas (chana), kidney beans (rajma), and moong dal are found in almost every urban home, horse gram is missing from the spotlight.

Let’s explore why 👇

🚫 Why Horse Gram Was Forgotten?

✅ Why Horse Gram Deserves a Comeback

With the rise in lifestyle diseases like obesity, kidney stones, liver issues, and diabetes, people are now turning to natural, plant-based foods. Horse gram is now being seen as a:

• 🌱 Detox food – Removes toxins from the body
• 💪 Protein-rich pulse – Builds muscles and strength
• 🩺 Medicinal dal – Promotes the well-being of both kidneys and liver
• 🧘‍♀️ Ayurvedic remedy – Used in traditional Indian medicine for centuries

🟢 3. Nutritional Powerhouse of Horse Gram (Kulthi Dal)

Horse Gram, also known as Kulthi Dal, is a true nutritional powerhouse. It is one of the richest sources of plant-based protein and comes with an impressive range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. If you’re looking for a natural food that gives energy, strength, and healing—all in one—horse gram is the answer!

🍛 Macronutrients: The Strong Base of Nutrition

• 💪 High Protein:
  Rich in protein (22–25g per 100g), horse gram plays a key role in muscle healing, energy production, and cellular growth.
• 🧈 Low Fat:
  It is naturally low in fat, making it ideal for weight loss and heart health.

🌟 Micronutrients: Small But Powerful

• 🦴 Calcium – Supports strong bones and teeth.
• 🩸 Iron – Helps in forming healthy red blood cells and prevents anemia.
• 🧠 Phosphorus – Essential for cell repair, energy production, and brain health.

🍃 Natural Compounds That Heal

• 🌿 Antioxidants – Protect the body from free radicals and slow aging.
• 🌸 Flavonoids – Support the immune system and fight inflammation.
• 🍇 Polyphenols – Known for detoxifying the body and promoting gut health.

📊 Nutritional Facts per 100g (Raw Horse Gram)

✅ Why Horse Gram is a Superfood

• Helps in weight management

• Boosts metabolism and energy

• Keeps bones strong and healthy

• Supports blood health and oxygen flow

• A low glycemic index allows it to aid in stabilizing glucose levels effectively.

If you’re planning to add something healthy, natural, and affordable to your daily meals, horse gram is a perfect choice. It is not just food—it is food with purpose.

🟢 4. Why is Horse Gram Soup Healing?

Horse Gram Soup is not just tasty—it’s therapeutic. It has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and folk medicine to treat kidney and liver disorders naturally. The nutrients and natural plant compounds in Kulthi Dal make it a gentle yet powerful healer for your internal organs, especially the kidneys and liver.

🌿 Benefits for Kidney Health

It is known for its stone-dissolving and cleansing power, making it an excellent natural remedy for kidney problems.

1.  Dissolves Kidney Stones

• Especially effective against calcium oxalate stones, the most common type.
• Regular use of horse gram soup can break down stones and help pass them painlessly.

2. Natural Diuretic

• Increases urine output naturally without side effects.
• Helps flush out toxins, salts, and excess water from the kidneys.

3. Cleans the Urinary Tract

• Removes bacteria and infection-causing agents from the urinary system.
• May help in reducing urinary tract infections (UTIs).

4. Anti-inflammatory Effect

• Helps ease discomfort and inflammation in the urinary tract.
• Offers relief from burning sensation during urination.

🧠 Benefits for Liver Health

The liver is our body’s natural detox center, and its soup supports its function beautifully.

1. Promotes Bile Production

• Improves the breakdown of fats, oils, and cholesterol in the liver.
• Encourages smooth digestion and prevents bloating.

2. Supports Detox Enzymes

• Boosts the activity of liver enzymes responsible for filtering toxins.
• Aids in removing chemicals and impurities from the blood.

3. Improves Metabolism

• Helps balance blood sugar and cholesterol by supporting liver metabolism.
• Keeps fatty liver disease at bay by aiding fat digestion.

4. Protects Against Liver Damage

• Antioxidants in horse gram help repair damaged liver cells.
• Reduces the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver and liver inflammation.

📊 Quick Table: How Horse Gram Soup Heals

In today’s fast-paced world filled with junk food, stress, and pollution, our kidneys and liver work overtime. Drinking horse gram soup regularly helps your body to detox, repair, and rebalance—without expensive medicines or side effects. It’s a safe and simple kitchen remedy for both prevention and healing.

🍵 Horse Gram Soup Recipe: The Healing Ingredients

To make this kidney and liver-friendly soup, you don’t need fancy ingredients. All you need are simple, everyday spices and horse gram (Kulthi dal)—soaked overnight for best results.

Take a look at the key items required for this recipe:

🌾 Main Ingredient

🔁 Soaking horse gram overnight helps it cook faster and unlocks more nutrients.

🌿 Healing Spices and Herbs

Beyond adding flavor, these ingredients enhance the soup’s digestive, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying properties.

• 🧄 Garlic (2–3 cloves, crushed)
  ➤ Fights infections, reduces inflammation, supports liver
• 🫚 Ginger (1 tsp, grated)
  ➤ Improves digestion, reduces nausea, cleanses liver
• 🧂 Rock Salt (as per taste)
  ➤ Rich in trace minerals, better than table salt
• 🧈 Ghee or Oil (1 tsp for tempering)
  ➤ Adds healthy fat and flavor, supports spice absorption
• 🧅 Asafoetida (Hing, 1 pinch)
  ➤ Relieves gas, supports kidney cleansing
• 🌿 Curry Leaves (5–6 leaves)
  ➤ Improves liver function, boosts iron
• 🧄 Cumin Seeds (1/2 tsp)
  ➤ Aids digestion and reduces bloating
• 🌶️ Black Pepper (1/4 tsp, crushed)
  ➤ Enhances absorption of nutrients, improves immunity
• 🌕 Turmeric (1/4 tsp)
  ➤ Acts as a natural healer with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
• 🍋 Lemon Juice (1 tsp)
  ➤ Adds Vitamin C, improves iron absorption

📌 Optional Add-ons

• 🥕 Grated Carrots – For extra fiber and sweetness

• 🌿 Coriander Leaves – For garnishing and freshness

✅ Why These Ingredients?

Each ingredient in horse gram soup is chosen for a specific health purpose:

📝 Pro Tip

Always use fresh ingredients and soaked horse gram to enhance the healing properties. A slow-cooked soup brings out the maximum flavor and medicinal value.

🟢 6. Cooking Made Simple: Hearty and Healthy Horse Gram Soup Recipe

Horse Gram Soup is not just healthy—it’s delicious too! You can enjoy it as a warm drink, or pour it over rice for a hearty, healing meal. Follow this simple step-by-step method to make it perfectly every time.

🛒 Ingredients Checklist ✅

🧼 Step 1: Proper Soaking Technique

• Rinse ½ cup horse gram thoroughly.
• Soak it in enough water overnight (8–10 hours).
• By soaking, the seeds become more digestible and gentle on the stomach.

🟢 Tip: Soaking minimizes anti-nutrients and boosts the body’s ability to absorb minerals.

🍲 Step 2: Boiling & Straining

• Strain the soaked lentils and transfer them to a pressure cooker.
• Add 3–4 cups of water.
• Let it pressure cook until soft—usually around 5 to 6 whistles.
• Strain the liquid into a bowl—this is your soup base.
• Keep the boiled dal aside—you can blend it or use it for another dish.

🍳 Step 3: Tadka (Tempering) Method

• Heat 1 tbsp ghee or oil in a pan.
• Add:

• 1 tsp cumin seeds 🌱
• A pinch of hing 🔸
• 3–4 crushed garlic cloves 🧄
• 1 inch grated ginger 🫚
• 5–6 curry leaves 🍃
• ½ tsp turmeric powder ✨
• ½ tsp crushed black pepper 🌶️
• Sauté for 30–40 seconds on low heat till it smells aromatic.

🥣 Step 4: Final Mixing & Garnishing

• Pour the strained soup water into the pan with tadka.
• Let it boil for 5–7 minutes to mix flavors well.
• Add rock salt and 1 tsp lemon juice.
• Stir well and turn off the flame.

🟢 Optional: You can garnish with fresh coriander leaves or serve with blended dal for a thicker soup.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Drink it warm on an empty stomach in the morning or before bedtime for the best results for kidney and liver cleansing. One bowl a day can truly make a difference!

🟢 7. Ayurvedic View on Horse Gram Soup (Kulthi Soup)

In Ayurvedic wisdom, meals are seen as nourishment for both physical health and inner harmony. Horse gram soup, known for its heating and cleansing nature, has a special place in ancient Ayurvedic healing.

Let’s explore how Ayurveda sees this powerful pulse.

🧪 Ayurvedic Properties of Horse Gram (Kulthi Dal)

🧘 Ideal Dosha Balancing

Its  soup is excellent for balancing specific body types or Doshas in Ayurveda:

✅ Best for:

• Kapha Dosha (cold, heavy, and sluggish body types)
  ➤ Horse gram cuts down mucus and water retention.
• Vata Dosha (dry, cold, and anxious body types)
  ➤ It warms the body and improves digestion.

⚠️ Caution for:

• Pitta Dosha (hot, fiery, and sensitive body types)
  ➤ Because of its hot potency (Ushna), horse gram can increase acidity or heat in Pitta-dominant people.

🌿 Ayurvedic Benefits at a Glance

• 🔹 Removes Ama (toxins) from the body
• 🔸 Improves Agni (digestive fire)
• 🔹 Clears urinary blockages and stones
• 🔸 Helps in weight reduction and fluid retention
• 🔹 Heals joint pain and stiffness

📌 Expert Ayurvedic Tip

Drink horse gram soup warm, especially during cold weather, urinary issues, or slow metabolism. If you are a Pitta type, add cooling herbs like coriander or drink it in moderation.

🟢 8. Modern Scientific Perspective on Horse Gram Soup

Traditional Ayurvedic wisdom lauds horse gram for its medicinal value, and recent scientific studies are starting to affirm those claims. Several studies and research papers, including those from NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information) and international journals, highlight the therapeutic and nutritional value of horse gram.

Let’s explore how science supports the health benefits of horse gram soup 👇

🔬 What Do Scientific Studies Say?

🧪 Key Bioactive Compounds in Horse Gram

It contains natural chemicals that offer health protection:

📊 Study Highlights

• 🧾 A study published in the Indian Journal of Biochemistry & Biophysics shows horse gram reduces urea and creatinine, which helps in renal (kidney) health.
• 🧾 Another report in NCBI mentions that horse gram has anti-diabetic and anti-obesity effects when consumed regularly.
• 🧾 A Journal of Ethnopharmacology article highlights antioxidant and antimicrobial activities in horse gram seeds.

✅ Modern Health Benefits in Summary

Today, science and age-old traditions are coming together in harmony. It is no longer just a rural food—it’s a scientifically-proven superfood. Adding horse gram soup to your diet is a smart, natural, and science-backed way to protect your kidneys, liver, and metabolism.

🟢 9. Who Should Drink Horse Gram Soup?

Horse Gram Soup is not just a tasty dish—it is a natural remedy for many health issues. Its warming nature and healing properties make it highly beneficial for some, but not suitable for everyone.

Let’s see who should drink it and who should avoid it.👇

✅ Best Suited For:

📝 Note: If you have diabetes or chronic conditions, consult your doctor before regular use.

❌ Who Should Avoid It?

📌 How Often Should You Drink It?

Avoid daily use unless suggested by an Ayurvedic doctor or nutritionist.

Always soak it overnight and cook it well to reduce dryness and make digestion easier. Adding ghee and lemon juice can balance its heat and taste.

🌿 “Horse gram soup is a friend to some, and a foe to a few. Know your body and use it wisely!”

10. How Often Should You Take Horse Gram Soup?

Horse Gram Soup is powerful—but like every remedy, the right amount and timing matter. Taking it wisely brings the best results for kidney cleansing, liver support, and weight balance.

Let’s understand how often and how long to include it in your routine.👇

✅ General Usage Guidelines

📌 Tip: Drink it warm. Avoid adding too many spices if your body heats up easily.

⚠️ Precaution: Don’t Overconsume

It creates Ushna (heat) in the body. This heat is helpful for removing toxins and improving metabolism. But too much heat can cause:

• 🔥 Acidity
• 🥵 Mouth ulcers
• 💦 Excessive sweating
• 🤰 Complications in pregnancy

📋 Safety Tips

🌿 “Nature heals best when you follow balance—not excess.”

🟢 11. Storage Guidelines and Shelf Life for Horse Gram and Its Soup

Horse Gram Soup is perfect for regular use. Storing it wisely ensures you retain its goodness and reduce prep time. Whether you soak it ahead or prepare a big batch, proper handling ensures freshness and healing power.

🫘 Soaked Horse Gram – How Long Can You Store It?

📌 Discard immediately if it develops a foul odor or signs of fermentation. That means fermentation has started.

🥣 Can You Refrigerate Horse Gram Soup?

✅ Yes, refrigerating is safe

• Keep it sealed in a clean, airtight glass or stainless steel container.
• Stays fresh for up to 3 days

Tip: For maximum Vitamin C benefits, add lemon juice only after reheating.

❄️ Tips for Freezing or Batch Preparation

Want to make soup for the whole week? Freezing helps!

✔️ How to Freeze:

• Prepare the soup (without tempering).
• Cool completely.
• Store in freezer-safe containers in 1-portion size.
• Label the date.

✔️ Freezer Life: Up to 1 month

🔥 Reheating Without Losing Nutrition

📌 Always reheat only what you need. Repeated heating damages taste and nutrition.

🌿 “A well-stored healing soup keeps the body refreshed and the kitchen stress-free.”

12. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Horse Gram Soup

Its Soup is a natural healer, but only when used correctly. Many people unknowingly reduce its benefits by making small yet impactful mistakes. Let’s learn what to avoid to get the best results from this traditional remedy.

❌ 1. Not Soaking Properly

Soaking is not optional — it’s essential.

✅ Correct Way: Let it soak for 8–12 hours overnight, then drain the water before cooking.

❌ 2. Using Too Much Spice

Horse gram soup has natural healing elements. Over-spicing can reduce its medicinal power.

✅ Use moderate spices like cumin, ginger, black pepper, and a dash of turmeric.

❌ 3. Drinking Too Much Too Fast

More is not always better.

✅ Best to take 1 medium bowl on an empty stomach, especially during detox days.

❌ 4. Ignoring Your Body Type (Prakriti)

In Ayurveda, it’s believed that each person’s body functions in its own distinct way.

💡 Tip: Always balance heat-inducing foods like horse gram with cooling elements like lemon or coriander if you’re Pitta dominant.

🌿 “Healing starts when we listen to our body—not just follow a trend.”

13. Delicious Variations of Horse Gram Soup (Kulthi Soup)

Its Soup doesn’t have to be boring or taste the same every time. You can enjoy it in many tasty and healthy styles that suit your mood, season, or body type. Each version keeps the healing power of horse gram while giving a new flavor and benefit.

🥥 1. South Indian Style: With Coconut Milk

A creamy and comforting option, especially for dry Vata body types.

✅ Perfect for dinner or during colder evenings.

🍋 2. Detox Style: Lemon & Coriander Soup

Light, refreshing, and perfect for cleansing.

✅ Warm and early—take it in the morning before meals for maximum benefit.

🌶️ 3. Spicy Masala Soup: Winter-Friendly

A warming version for those chilly days when your body needs heat and strength.

✅ Perfect for Kapha dosha and cold weather.

🍲 4. Protein Boost Mix: With Moong Dal

A balanced recipe for muscle repair and energy.

✅ Great post-workout meal or lunch for active people.

💡 Tip: Always cook with seasonal ingredients and adjust spices as per your body type (Prakriti).

🟢 14. Horse Gram in Other Forms

Kulthi dal, or horse gram, isn’t just for soups—it has many delicious uses. You can enjoy its health benefits in many easy and tasty forms. These options are perfect for adding variety to your diet while still getting the healing power of this forgotten superfood.

💧 Horse Gram Water (Kulattha ka Pani)

One of the simplest and most healing forms.

• How to Make: Soak 2–3 tablespoons of horse gram overnight. “Boil with 2 cups of water, filter the decoction, and enjoy while it’s warm.
• When to Take: Most effective when taken early on an empty stomach.
• Benefits:

• Flushes kidney and urinary toxins 🚽
• Helps with water retention 💧
• Supports weight loss and digestion ⚖️

🌾 Horse Gram Powder (Used in Rotis & Laddoos)

Dried and powdered horse gram can be mixed with other flours or sweet dishes.

✅ Great for kids, athletes, and busy adults!

🔥 Roasted Horse Gram Snacks

Tasty and crunchy option for evening cravings.

• How to Make: Once soaked and dried, roast the horse gram gently with cumin and rock salt until aromatic.
• Benefits:

• Easy on digestion
• Travel-friendly protein snack
• Keeps you full longer

✅ Store in airtight containers for up to 2 weeks.

🥗 Horse Gram Sprout Salad

Sprouting increases nutrients and digestion power.

✅ Ideal for breakfast or light lunch!

💡 Tip: Always soak horse gram well and cook or sprout it properly to avoid gas or heaviness.

🟢 15. Testimonials and Personal Experiences 

Its soup (Kulthi dal ka soup) is not just a traditional remedy—it’s a healing secret passed down through generations. Many people today are rediscovering its benefits. From managing kidney stones to promoting weight loss, its reputation says it all.

🌟 Real-Life Results

1. Rashid Ahmed, 38 (Lucknow)

“I had small kidney stones and was advised surgery. My grandmother suggested horse gram soup. I drank it every morning for 10 days—and in the next scan, the stones were gone!”

2. Neha Sharma, 29 (Delhi)

“After childbirth, my digestion was weak and I felt bloated all the time. Horse gram water gave me energy and reduced my stomach heaviness in just a week.”

3. Devraj Rao, 55 (Bangalore)

“As a diabetic, I follow a strict diet. My Ayurvedic doctor advised horse gram twice a week. My sugar levels feel more stable now, and my energy has improved.”

👵 Folk Wisdom from Elders

🧓 Nani’s Nuskha (Grandmother’s Tip):

“Kulthi ka pani peeyo, pathri bhaag jaaye”—
(“Let horse gram water flush those kidney stones right out.!”)

🥣 In many villages, people prepare horse gram rasam with tamarind and garlic during winters to stay warm and avoid seasonal infections.

❤️ Relatable Quotes & Beliefs

🗣️ “Not merely food, but a gift of healing straight from nature.”

🗣️ “Our grandmothers didn’t need supplements. They had kulthi soup.”

🗣️ “In our village, we say—Jisne kulthi pehchani, usne bimari bhagani (Those who know horse gram, know how to fight illness).”

✅ Whether you believe in grandma’s kitchen or modern science, thousands now agree—horse gram soup is more than a recipe, it’s a remedy.

🟢 17. Conclusion: 

Horse gram soup (Kulthi dal soup) is more than just a warm, tasty dish—it is an age-old healing remedy trusted by generations. This humble ancient legume is packed with protein, calcium, iron, antioxidants, and healing compounds. Whether you want to improve kidney health, support your liver, manage weight, or just feel energized naturally, it can be your go-to ingredient.

🌿 Why You Should Try It:

• It’s natural, affordable, and nutrient-rich.
• It supports detox, digestion, and immunity.
• It can be prepared in many delicious ways.

✅ Embracing traditional Indian nutrition doesn’t mean giving up modern methods. Instead, it’s about going back to roots that helped our ancestors live healthy lives—without pills or supplements.

🩺 A Gentle Reminder:

Always consult your doctor or nutritionist if you have any medical condition. It has strong heat-producing properties and may not suit everyone (especially during pregnancy or in Pitta-dominant bodies).