andhraEasynon vegetariandairy freenut freehigh protein
Menthi Kura Pappu
RATING
4.5/5(135)
TASTE SCORE
8/10
A classic Andhra comfort food, this tangy dal combines tender toor dal with the unique, slightly bitter flavor of fresh fenugreek leaves. A simple tempering makes it an aromatic and wholesome dish, perfect with hot rice and ghee.
SERVINGS
4
INGREDIENTS
For 4 servings
NUTRITION · PER SERVING
332
332
CALORIES · 1 CUP
Protein17g · 20%
Carbs45g · 54%
Fat10g · 27%
Fiber10g
Sodium794mg
Potassium1143mg
Phosphorus294mg
INSTRUCTIONS
4 steps. 25 minutes total.
4 STEPS
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook the dal: In a pressure cooker, add the rinsed toor dal, chopped fenugreek leaves, onion, tomato, green chillies, and turmeric powder. Pour in 3 cups of water and mix well. Close the lid and pressure cook for 4-5 whistles on medium heat, or until the dal is soft and mushy. Let the pressure release naturally.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Mash the dal and add seasonings: Open the pressure cooker once the pressure has settled. Using a whisk or a ladle, mash the dal mixture to a slightly coarse consistency. Add the tamarind paste (or tamarind water), red chili powder, and salt. Mix well. Turn on the heat and let the dal simmer for 4-5 minutes on low heat for the flavors to combine. Add a little hot water if the dal is too thick.
- 3
Prepare the tempering (poppu): Heat oil in a small pan over medium heat
- a.Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add the cumin seeds, crushed garlic, and dried red chillies. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant and lightly browned. Finally, add the curry leaves and a pinch of hing. Be careful as the leaves will splutter. Cook for another 10 seconds.
- 4
Combine and serve: Pour the hot tempering over the simmering dal
- a.Mix well and turn off the heat. Serve Menthi Kura Pappu hot with steamed rice and a dollop of ghee.
PRO TIPS
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For best results, use fresh and tender fenugreek leaves. Avoid using mature leaves as they can be very bitter.
- 2Soaking the toor dal for at least 20 minutes helps it cook faster and softer.
- 3Don't skip the tamarind; its tanginess perfectly balances the bitterness of the fenugreek leaves.
- 4Crushing the garlic cloves for the tempering releases more flavor into the oil.
- 5You can also add a handful of spinach along with fenugreek leaves for added nutrition.
- 6Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
RECIPE VARIATIONS
Adapt it for your goals.
vegan
Vegan
Use oil instead of ghee for the tempering and for serving.
jainJain
Omit the onion and garlic from the recipe. You can add a little extra hing to the tempering for flavor.
healthyHealthy
Reduce the amount of oil used in the tempering to 1 tablespoon and serve without extra ghee.
high proteinHigh protein
Add 1/4 cup of masoor dal (red lentils) along with the toor dal to increase the protein content.
PAIRS WELL WITH
