Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Andhra Pradesh! This Palak Pappu isn't just another dal recipe - it's a magical blend of nutrition-packed spinach and creamy toor dal that promises to revolutionize your home cooking. Imagine a dish so comforting, so flavorful, that it turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience that will have your family begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup toor dal
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 2 tbsp oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the toor dal thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. Drain completely.
- In a pressure cooker, combine the washed toor dal with chopped spinach, turmeric powder, and 2 cups of water. Close the lid and cook for 3-4 whistles or until the dal is soft and mushy.
- Once the pressure releases naturally, open the cooker and mash the dal and spinach mixture with a wooden spoon until well combined.
- In a separate small pan, heat oil for tempering. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter and crackle.
- Add chopped onions and green chilies to the tempering. Sauté until onions turn translucent and slightly golden.
- Pour the tempered mixture into the cooked dal and spinach. Mix well to incorporate all flavors.
- Add salt to taste and mix thoroughly. Adjust consistency by adding hot water if needed.
- Simmer the dal for 5-7 minutes on low heat to allow flavors to meld together.
- Garnish with fresh chopped coriander leaves before serving.
- Serve hot with steamed rice, accompanied by a dollop of ghee for authentic Andhra-style flavor.
Tips
- Use fresh, vibrant spinach for the most authentic flavor and maximum nutritional benefits.
- Ensure your pressure cooker is properly sealed to achieve the perfect dal consistency.
- The tempering (tadka) is crucial - wait for mustard seeds to splutter completely to release their full aromatic potential.
- Don't rush the simmering process; allowing the dal to simmer helps develop deeper, more complex flavors.
- For an extra layer of richness, consider adding a small dollop of fresh ghee just before serving.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend the dal after cooking.
- Adjust green chilies according to your spice tolerance without compromising the authentic Andhra taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg