Moong Dal Rasam / Pesara Pappu Charu (Lemon Infused Indian Lentil Soup)
A comforting and flavorful South Indian dish, Moong Dal Rasam (also known as Pesara Pappu Charu) offers a delightful balance of tanginess, spice, and earthy lentils. This healthy, protein-packed soup is often enjoyed as a main course for lunch or dinner, accompanied by a variety of vegetables or rice. With a dash of lemon juice, the soup is light yet nourishing, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking for a wholesome, high-protein vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Yellow Moong Dal (Split) | 1 cup |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Green Chillies (slit lengthwise) | 2 |
| Fresh Ginger (grated or finely chopped) | 1 inch piece |
| Fresh Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
| Salt | To taste |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Fresh Coriander (Dhania) Leaves (chopped) | 4 sprigs |
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
| Mustard Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Dry Red Chillies | 2 |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | A generous pinch |
| Fresh Curry Leaves (for tempering) | 1 sprig |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings
- Serves: 2
Cuisine and Course
- Cuisine: South Indian
- Course: Main Course (Lunch)
- Diet Type: High Protein, Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Moong Dal
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Rinse the Moong Dal: Wash the yellow moong dal thoroughly under running water. Repeat this 2-3 times until the water runs clear.
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Cook the Dal: In a saucepan, add the washed dal, 3 cups of water, and the turmeric powder. Stir the mixture and place it over medium heat. Allow the dal to simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes, or until the dal becomes soft and fully cooked. Alternatively, you can cook the dal in a pressure cooker for about 3-4 whistles, then turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally.
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Mash the Dal: Once cooked, the dal should be tender. Mash the dal lightly with a potato masher until smooth but still slightly chunky.
Step 2: Add the Flavorful Ingredients
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Incorporate Green Chillies and Ginger: To the mashed dal, add the slit green chillies, grated ginger, chopped coriander leaves, and fresh curry leaves. Stir everything together.
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Season the Rasam: Add salt to taste, then place the saucepan back on the stove. Simmer the mixture on low heat for another 10-12 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If the rasam becomes too thick during simmering, feel free to add a bit of water to adjust the consistency to your liking. Once it reaches a boiling point, turn off the heat.
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Add Lemon Juice: Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and give the rasam a final stir. Set aside while you prepare the tempering.
Step 3: Temper the Rasam
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Prepare the Tadka (Tempering): In a small tadka pan (or tempering pan), heat the ghee over medium heat. Once the ghee is hot, add the mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and dry red chillies. Fry them briefly until the mustard seeds begin to crackle and pop.
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Add Aromatics: Quickly add the asafoetida and fresh curry leaves to the pan. Stir well, then turn off the heat immediately to prevent the spices from burning.
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Pour the Tadka into the Rasam: Carefully pour the tempering into the cooked moong dal rasam. Stir gently to mix the flavors and adjust salt to taste.
Step 4: Serve
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Final Touches: Transfer the Moong Dal Rasam to a serving bowl. Garnish with additional coriander leaves if desired.
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Serving Suggestions: Moong Dal Rasam/Pesara Pappu Charu pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or any vegetable side dish of your choice, such as sautรฉed greens, okra, or a tangy vegetable curry. Itโs a complete meal, offering a hearty, protein-rich option thatโs light enough for a nourishing lunch or dinner.
Tips and Variations
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder rasam, you can reduce the number of green chillies or omit the dry red chillies in the tempering.
- For a Richer Flavor: You can substitute ghee with oil for a lighter version, but ghee provides a rich, authentic flavor.
- Add Extra Vegetables: Feel free to add a handful of chopped tomatoes or carrots while simmering the rasam to make it heartier.
- Add Garlic: A couple of crushed garlic cloves in the tempering can give the rasam an extra depth of flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~150 kcal |
| Protein | ~10g |
| Carbohydrates | ~25g |
| Fat | ~6g |
| Fiber | ~7g |
| Sodium | ~250mg |
| Vitamin C | ~20% of Daily Value |
| Iron | ~15% of Daily Value |
This Moong Dal Rasam / Pesara Pappu Charu is a nutritious and vibrant soup that brings the essence of South Indian flavors to your plate. Its tangy and spicy taste, balanced with the lightness of yellow moong dal, makes it an ideal choice for a wholesome meal. Whether you enjoy it on a busy weekday or as part of a special South Indian feast, this recipe promises both comfort and nourishment in every spoonful.
