Togari Bele Tovve Recipe – South Indian Toor Dal Rasam
Description:
Tovve, also known as Rasam in Tamil Nadu or Kattu Saaru in Karnataka, is a comforting and nutritious South Indian dish that is prepared with lentils and a tamarind-based gravy. It is a mild, flavorful dish, free of exotic spices, yet rich in taste. Commonly prepared with Toor Dal (Arhar Dal), it’s a versatile recipe that can be customized with different dals or vegetables, making it suitable for any occasion. Togari Bele Tovve is quick and easy to prepare, with a few basic ingredients, and makes an ideal accompaniment to rice or idlis.
This dish doesn’t require complex cooking techniques and is an excellent source of plant-based protein. With a hint of tanginess from tamarind, a kick from green chilies, and a subtle spice from ghee and mustard seeds, this wholesome meal is perfect for lunch or dinner.
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: High-Protein Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arhar Dal (Split Toor Dal) | 1 cup |
| Water | 5 cups |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Ginger (finely grated) | 1 teaspoon |
| Green Chillies (slit) | 5 (adjust according to spice preference) |
| Tamarind (soaked in warm water) | 30 grams |
| Lemon Juice | 1/2 Lemon |
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Curry Leaves | A handful |
| Coriander Leaves (Dhania) | A handful (for garnish) |
Preparation Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
25 minutes
Instructions
-
Soak and Cook the Dal:
Begin by soaking the Toor Dal (Arhar dal) in water for about 30 minutes. This helps the dal cook faster and become softer. After soaking, wash the dal thoroughly under running water to remove any impurities. -
Pressure Cook the Dal:
In a pressure cooker, add the soaked dal, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, and 2 cups of water. Close the lid and cook on medium heat for about 3 whistles. Once the cooking is done, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. -
Prepare Tamarind Water:
Soak the tamarind in a bowl of hot water for about 10 minutes. After soaking, extract the juice from the tamarind and set it aside. You will need approximately 1-1/2 cups of tamarind water for this recipe. -
Mash the Dal:
Once the dal is cooked and the pressure has released, gently mash the dal using the back of a ladle or a masher. This gives the tovve a smooth consistency. -
Prepare the Tempering (Tadka):
In a wok or kadai, heat the ghee over medium flame. Once the ghee melts, add the mustard seeds. Allow them to splutter before adding the curry leaves, grated ginger, and slit green chilies. Stir and cook for about 1-2 minutes until the ginger releases its aroma, and the green chilies soften. -
Add Tamarind Water:
Pour the tamarind water into the wok and bring it to a gentle boil. Add the remaining turmeric powder and allow it to simmer. The tamarind should lose its raw smell once it has boiled for a couple of minutes. -
Combine with Dal:
Once the tamarind water has boiled and the raw smell has dissipated, add the mashed dal to the pan. Stir everything well and let it cook for another 5 minutes. Add salt to taste. -
Finishing Touches:
As the tovve simmers, you will notice some froth forming on the surface. Once this happens, do not let the tovve boil further. Season the dish with a pinch of asafoetida (hing) and stir gently. -
Add Lemon Juice:
Turn off the heat and add lemon juice to the tovve. Stir well to combine the tangy flavors of tamarind and lemon juice. -
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish the Togari Bele Tovve with freshly chopped coriander leaves for added flavor and color. Serve hot with steaming rice or idlis.
Additional Notes:
- This recipe is incredibly flexible. You can use Moong Dal or any other lentil in place of Toor Dal, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
- You can customize the tanginess of the dish by adjusting the amount of tamarind or lemon juice to suit your preference.
- For a more traditional South Indian meal, pair Togari Bele Tovve with a side of Beetroot Thoran or enjoy it with spongy idlis and Mysore Chutney to make a complete and satisfying meal.
- The dal can also be adjusted for consistency – if you prefer a thinner consistency, simply add more water during the cooking process.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fiber | 7g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
| Potassium | 500mg |
Enjoy this simple yet nourishing Togari Bele Tovve, a dish that brings the essence of South Indian flavors into your kitchen, with minimal ingredients but an abundance of taste! Perfect for a quick lunch or a comforting dinner, this lentil-based dish offers a healthy balance of protein, fiber, and rich flavors.
