Thotakura Pappu (Toor Dal with Amaranth Leaves) Recipe
Thotakura Pappu, a delightful Andhra-style dish, brings together the earthy flavors of split toor dal (Arhar dal) and the vibrant, nutrient-packed green amaranth leaves. This wholesome and satisfying recipe offers a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a nutritious addition to your meal rotation. With a minimal number of ingredients, this dish is simple to prepare yet bursting with flavors, perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner. Serve it with steamed rice for a complete, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arhar Dal (Split Toor Dal) | 1 cup |
| Green Amaranth Leaves (Chopped) | 1 cup |
| Onion (Sliced) | 1 medium |
| Tomato (Chopped) | 1 medium |
| Garlic Cloves | 4 cloves |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Mustard Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | A pinch |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
| Dry Red Chillies | 2 |
| Sunflower Oil | As needed for tempering |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180-220 kcal |
| Protein | 10-12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30-35 g |
| Fat | 4-6 g |
| Fiber | 6-7 g |
| Sodium | 150-200 mg |
| Potassium | 600-700 mg |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Andhra
Course: Lunch
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Start by thoroughly washing the Arhar dal (split toor dal) and set it aside.
- Wash and chop the green amaranth leaves into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice the onion and chop the tomato.
- Peel and crush the garlic cloves.
-
-
Pressure Cook the Dal:
- In a pressure cooker, add the washed dal, chopped amaranth leaves, onion, tomato, turmeric powder, and salt to taste.
- Pour in approximately 2 cups of water to ensure the dal cooks properly.
- Close the lid and cook on medium-high heat for 4 whistles (around 15-20 minutes).
- Once the cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally. Carefully open the lid once the pressure has settled.
-
Mash and Mix:
- After opening the pressure cooker, use a ladle or masher to mash the cooked dal and vegetables together to form a smooth, well-mixed consistency.
- Stir well to ensure that the amaranth leaves are fully incorporated with the dal.
-
Tempering the Dal:
- In a small pan or kadai, heat sunflower oil (or any other neutral oil) over medium heat.
- Add mustard seeds and allow them to splutter for a few seconds.
- Once the mustard seeds start popping, add the white urad dal and asafoetida (hing). Let the urad dal turn golden brown for a couple of seconds.
- Immediately add the curry leaves and dry red chillies. Allow them to crackle for another 10-15 seconds, infusing the oil with aromatic flavors.
-
Combine the Tempering with the Dal:
- Pour the hot tempering (tadka) directly over the mashed dal mixture in the pressure cooker.
- Mix the tempering thoroughly with the dal, ensuring the aromatic flavors are evenly distributed.
-
Final Adjustments and Serving:
- Taste the dal and adjust the salt, if necessary.
- Stir everything together one last time, ensuring that all flavors are well-blended.
- Serve the Thotakura Pappu hot, alongside a bowl of steamed rice for the perfect pairing.
Serving Suggestions:
- For an authentic Andhra meal, pair the Thotakura Pappu with Kakarakaya Vepudu (Andhra-style bitter gourd fry) or a simple papad for extra crunch.
- You can also enjoy it with roti or chapati for a wholesome, balanced meal.
Pro Tips:
- Consistency: If you prefer a thinner dal, add extra water during the pressure cooking process. Adjust it after cooking by simmering it on low heat until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Spice Levels: Adjust the number of dry red chillies according to your spice tolerance. You can also add a green chilli during the tempering process for a bit more heat.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment by adding a pinch of cumin seeds or a splash of lemon juice towards the end for additional flavor dimensions.
This simple, nutritious, and protein-packed Thotakura Pappu recipe is a beloved dish in Andhra Pradesh and will surely become a favorite in your kitchen too. The combination of toor dal and amaranth leaves creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it both satisfying and nourishing. Enjoy it as part of a complete meal or on its own for a fulfilling vegetarian delight!
