Lentils are essential part of a healthy diet which supplies power packed proteins to our body.They are a rich source of proteins for vegetarians and especially for young children.It is highly important to include variety of lentils in the regular food to safe guard our health.They supply sufficient energy to the body.Lentils contain fiber,folate and essential minerals.When they are coupled with fresh vegetables they form a wholesome healthy meal..Please try to include different types of lentils at least twice a week in your diet.You can consume them in various forms including soups,dals and also as healthy sweets.Today I coupled my red lentils with ridge gourd to make a wholesome meal for my family.It is little bit spiced up with some tender spices and green chillis.You could use different types of lentils paired up with healthy vegetables which can be consumed with any main dishes like rice,breads etc.You can also consume as it is I believe..In Andhra we call it beerakaya pappu..which tastes yummy with hot rice and a dollop of ghee accompanied with crispy appadams or crisps.
Am really sorry this time as I could not post step by step pictures since I made this dal in a hurry..I will try to update the post with step by step clicks once I make it again.
Takes 20 min;Serves -4 to 5
INGREDIENTS:
- Red Lentils/Yellow Lentils/Toor Dal/Kandi Pappu – 2 cups
- Ridge Gourd – 2 small
- Turmeric powder – 1/4 tbsp
- Red chilly powder – 1/2 tbsp
- Tamarind – half a lemon size
- Tomato – 1 big
- Green Chillies slit – 3
- Salt as per taste
- Water – 4 cups
For Tampering:
- Oil – 2 tbsp
- Mustard seeds – 1/2 tbsp
- Split bengal gram/Channa dal – 1/2 tbsp
- Crushed garlic – 3 pods
- Curry Leaves – 1 spring
- Coriander Leaves
PREPARATION METHOD:
- Soak lentils in enough water for 30 minutes which will help reducing the cooking time.This step is purely optional and if you don’t wish you can use the lentils directly.
- Mean while,peel the ridge gourd and cut into small chunks or cubes.
- Cube the tomato and slit the green chillies too.
- Take a pressure cooker and put washed lentils,vegetables and add turmeric,red chilli powder,tamarind,green chillies and pour water.Mix it well and cook until three whistles.
- Allow the pressure to go off and open the pan.Add enough slat and mash the lentils with bug spatula.Mix it well once again.
- Now heat oil in another pan and crackle mustard,bengal gram and curry leaves.Add in crushed garlic and pour it hot on the cooked dal.
Comforting and simple yet protein rich dal is ready to serve with rice or bread!!
MY NOTES
- You can add onion too if you wish which would give a different taste.
- Use ghee instead of oil for tempering if you need a rich taste to the dal.
- These spiced up lentils can also be used as a filling for sandwiches.
Over to you for your valuable suggestions and comments!!
loved all u r cutleries nice collection.My fav dal,lovely clicks
Thanks a lot Meena,I buy it from cheaper shops like poundland or local markets..
That pic with the ball of rice is so temtping. I love this curry. We usually add some ground coconut also with this. I guess it is a Kerala additon π
Oh yeah thats called kootu right?My friend who is a mallu daily brings that to office:)
Love the new look of ur space Siri! Dal looks too good!
Thanks madhu π
Beautiful clicks dee I love close up one and the rice ball PIC π super idea. Also the bowl π I want it all
Wahh…Kya clicks Siri….love the Annam mudda
wow, this looks extremely delicious
Delicious and mouthwateringly healthy dal. Excellent use of Ridge gourd.
Deepa
beautiful clicks… curry would be lovely with rice… π
Awesome clicks Siri π Yummy healthy dish too π
superb looking dish, love to have some with plain rice and ghee…
Beautifully done, who can resist to this wonderful and delicious comforting dal;
One of my fav …looks fab and how cute is that bowl …
Lovely clicks
Yummy
http://www.followfoodiee.com/
so delicious, so healthy and so beautiful!!
Sowmya
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pic looks so pretty dear…love all ur clicks and nice props…perfect with white rice and ghee…