Beerakaya Pappu
A wholesome and comforting Andhra-style lentil curry made with tender ridge gourd, toor dal, and a hint of tamarind. This simple dal is a perfect side for rice and roti, bringing a taste of South Indian home cooking to your table.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Preparation: Rinse the toor dal under running water until the water runs clear
- a.Soak the tamarind in 1/4 cup of warm water and set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Pressure Cooking: In a 3-liter pressure cooker, combine the rinsed dal, chopped ridge gourd, onion, tomatoes, green chillies, turmeric powder, and 3 cups of water.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Dal: Secure the lid and pressure cook on medium heat for 4-5 whistles, or approximately 15 minutes, until the dal is completely soft. Allow the pressure to release naturally.
- 4
Mash and Simmer: Once the pressure has settled, open the cooker
- a.Using a whisk or the back of a ladle, mash the dal mixture lightly to achieve a coarse, uniform consistency. Squeeze the juice from the soaked tamarind into the dal, discarding the pulp. Add salt and red chilli powder. Mix well and simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Prepare the Tempering (Tadka): While the dal simmers, heat ghee in a small pan over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then, add cumin seeds, crushed garlic, and broken dry red chillies. Sauté for 30-40 seconds until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Finally, add the curry leaves and hing, and cook for another 10 seconds.
- 6
Combine and Serve: Immediately pour the hot tempering over the simmering dal
- a.Stir gently to combine. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot with steamed rice or roti.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a creamier texture, soak the toor dal for 30 minutes before cooking.
- 2Choose young, tender ridge gourd (beerakaya) as mature ones can be fibrous and bitter.
- 3The authentic Andhra flavor comes from the crushed garlic in the tempering; do not skip it.
- 4Adjust the tamarind and green chillies to your preferred level of tanginess and spice.
- 5If the dal becomes too thick upon cooling, add a splash of hot water to reach the desired consistency before serving.
- 6For an Instant Pot version, use the 'Pressure Cook' or 'Manual' mode for 10 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release.
Adapt it for your goals.
Lentil Variation
You can make this recipe with moong dal or a mix of toor and moong dal for a different texture and flavor.
Vegetable AdditionVegetable Addition
Add other vegetables like drumsticks (munakkaya) or bottle gourd (sorakaya) along with the ridge gourd.
No Onion/Garlic VersionNo Onion/Garlic Version
For a sattvic version, simply omit the onion and garlic. The dal will still be delicious.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the number of green chillies and the amount of red chilli powder for a spicier dal.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Plant-Based Protein
Toor dal is an excellent source of vegetarian protein, which is crucial for building and repairing tissues, muscle growth, and overall body function.
High in Dietary Fiber
The combination of lentils and ridge gourd provides a significant amount of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, prevents constipation, and helps maintain a healthy gut.
Aids in Weight Management
The high protein and fiber content promotes a feeling of fullness (satiety), which can help reduce overall calorie intake and support weight management goals.
Source of Essential Nutrients
This dal is a good source of essential minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium, as well as B-vitamins, which are vital for energy production and cardiovascular health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Beerakaya Pappu is very healthy. It is rich in plant-based protein from lentils and packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals from the ridge gourd and other vegetables. It is a balanced and nutritious dish.