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Pappu Charu (Andhra Style Sambar - Lentil Curry )

Vegetarian

Pappu Charu (Andhra Style Sambar - Lentil Curry )

Pappu Charu is a lentil curry that is popular in the Andhra Pradesh state of India. This is like the diluted version of the sambar recipe that is made in southern India. Unlike the other sambar recipes it does not require any special veggies or sambar powder. It is simple and easy to make with minimal ingredients and tastes delicious. I first tried it in a restaurant that serves authentic Andhra cuisine, loved it so much that I simply had to try it at home. Since then it has been a regular in my kitchen. I highly recommend trying this I am sure you will love it.

By Your Cooking Pal Published

Prep
15 min
Cook
15 min
Serves
4 people
Total
30 min

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cupToor dal (Pigeon Pea)
  • 1/4 tspTurmeric powder
  • 1 ( finely chopped)Onion
  • 1 ( chopped into big chunks)Tomato
  • 1 tspGinger Garlic paste
  • 2 tbspTamarind pulp
  • 1 tspJaggery / sugar
  • 3 tspOil
  • 1 and 1/2 tspRed Chilly powder
  • 4-5 sprigs ( finely chopped)Coriander leaves
  • For the tadka ( tempering)
  • 1/2 tspOil
  • 1/2 tspCumin seeds
  • 1/2 tspMustard Seeds
  • a pinchAsafoetida
  • 10Curry Leaves
  • 3Dried Red Chilli

Method

  1. Step 1

    Wash and pressure cook the dal with turmeric and salt until 2 whistles. The dal should be well cooked and mushy.

  2. Step 2

    Heat oil in a pan and add onions and sauté  until they are just cooked and translucent.

  3. Step 3

    Add ginger garlic paste and sauté for a minute.

  4. Step 4

    Add green chillies and tomato and mix well.

  5. Step 5

    Add 1 and ½ cups of  water to the onions and tomatoes  and bring it to a boil.

  6. Step 6

    Add jaggery, and tamarind pulp.

  7. Step 7

    Add the boiled dal, red chilli powder and season to taste.

  8. Step 8

    Also add a little water and adjust the consistency, as it should not be too thick or too thin.

  9. Step 9

    Cover with a lid and let it simmer.

  10. Step 10

    Heat oil in a separate small tadka pan.

  11. Step 11

    Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds.

  12. Step 12

    When they splutter add asafoetida, curry leaves and red chillies.

  13. Step 13

    Pour this tadka in the boiling dal and mix well.

    Pappu Charu (Andhra Style Sambar - Lentil Curry ) preparation
  14. Step 14

    Add coriander leaves and let the dal simmer for another 3-4 mins.

  15. Step 15

    Serve hot with steamed rice. Also goes very well with Idli.

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