Palakura Pappu Recipe | Andhra Style Spinach Dal

Palakura Pappu is a nutritious and flavorful Andhra-style dal made with spinach (palak) and pigeon peas (toor dal). It's a comforting and healthy dish that is typically served with steamed rice and ghee. Here's a recipe to make Palakura Pappu:

Ingredients require for Palakura Pappu:

• 1 cup toor dal (pigeon peas)
• 2 cups chopped spinach (palak)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 green chilies, slit (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
• 1 tablespoon oil or ghee
• Salt to taste

For Tempering (Tadka):

• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2-3 dry red chilies (adjust to taste)
• A few curry leaves
• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)

Instructions of making Palakura Pappu:

1. Prepare Toor Dal:

• Wash the toor dal thoroughly and pressure cook it with enough water until it's soft and mushy. Typically, it takes about 2-3 whistles on medium heat. Allow the pressure to release naturally.

2. Cook the Spinach:

• While the dal is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of oil or ghee in a separate pan over medium heat.
• Add cumin seeds, minced garlic, minced ginger, and chopped onions. Sauté until the onions turn translucent.

3. Add Spinach:

• Add the chopped spinach (palak) to the pan and sauté for a few minutes until it wilts and cooks down.

4. Season the Spinach:

• Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, salt, and a pinch of asafoetida (hing) to the spinach. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

5. Combine Dal and Spinach:

• Once the toor dal is cooked and the pressure is released, open the pressure cooker.
• Mash the cooked dal to a smooth consistency using a ladle or a dal masher.
• Add the sautéed spinach mixture to the mashed dal. Mix everything together. You may need to adjust the consistency by adding water if it's too thick.

6. Prepare Tempering (Tadka):

• Heat 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee in a small pan over medium heat.
• Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
• Add dry red chilies, curry leaves, and a pinch of asafoetida. Sauté for a minute until the spices become fragrant.

7. Add Tempering to Dal:

• Pour the prepared tempering over the dal and spinach mixture. Mix well.

8. Simmer and Serve:

• Simmer the Palakura Pappu for a few more minutes to let the flavors meld together.
• Remove from heat.

9. Serve Palakura Pappu:

• Serve Palakura Pappu hot with steamed rice and a dollop of ghee. It's a delicious and nutritious meal!

Enjoy your homemade Palakura Pappu, a wholesome and flavorful dal dish!

Country of origin- India

State- Andhra Pradesh