Andhra Style Pappu Charu Recipe

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Unleash the exceptional flavors of Andhra cuisine with this traditional Pappu Charu recipe. Pappu Charu is a lentil soup or stew that is a staple in Andhra cuisine. It is made with a combination of lentils, tamarind juice, green chilies, and a blend of spices. This simple recipe requires minimal ingredients and is very easy to make. Pappu Charu is often served with hot steamed rice as a side dish or as a delicious tiffin accompaniment.

It is a common dish that is popular in many families, especially for weekend lunches. Pappu Charu also has cultural significance in Andhra Pradesh, as it is a part of traditional Andhra meals such as Onam Sadya or Kerala feast. It is a popular dish in South Indian restaurants and is commonly available in Andhra Tiffin centers.

The dish is a staple in Andhra cuisine and has a long history in the region. The traditional way of making this lentil stew is by cooking lentils, vegetables, and tamarind juice with a blend of spices such as sambar powder or rasam powder. Red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, curry leaves, and coriander leaves topped with oil and mustard seeds contribute to the delicious aroma and flavor.

Pappu Charu has evolved over the years, and now you can make it an Instant Pot with different dals like Toor dal, Moong dal, Urad dal, Chana dal, Masoor dal, yellow pumpkin, and yellow lentils. You can adjust the recipe to your personal taste by adjusting the quantity of tamarind pulp or tamarind water and spices. In addition to Pappu Charu, you can also try other traditional Andhra recipes like Kandi Pappu, Pappu Pulusu, and Mulakkada Pappu Charu.

Ingredients List For Andhra Style Pappu Charu

Lentils

The recipe calls for 1 cup of red lentils (also called masoor dal), which is the main ingredient of the dish. You can also try toor dal for a slightly different flavor. Dals create the base of the dish, providing a hearty and filling texture to the soup.

Vegetables

Onions and tomatoes are the main vegetables in this soup. These vegetables provide sweetness and a natural umami flavor to the dish. The green chilies also add subtle heat and a slight crunch to the dish.

Spices

The recipe calls for a variety of spices, including ½ tsp of turmeric powder, 1 tsp of red chili powder and 1 tsp of salt. These spices add depth of flavor and warmth to the dish. Fresh coriander leaves and 1 sprig curry leaves add a fresh, herbal aroma and flavor. Tamarind extract provides a tangy and sour flavor.

Tarka

The Tarka is made by adding 1 tbsp of gingelly oil or ghee, 9-10 crushed garlic, ¼ tsp of mustard seeds, ¼ tsp of cumin seeds, 2 red chilies broken, few curry leaves, and ¼ tsp of asafoetida. These ingredients season this soup and also act as a garnish to the dish. Tarka gives a nice aroma and flavor to the dish, and it also adds a nice texture.

Step By Step Instructions

Start by soaking a lime sized ball of dried tamarind in 1 cup of hot water. After 30 minutes squeeze and strain out the extracted tamarind water and discard the solids. You’ll use the tamarind extract later.

Rinse 1 cup of red lentils in a colander under running water and then soak the lentils for 1 hour.

Take a pot and add the soaked lentils and 2 cups of water.

Then ½ tsp of salt and bring it to a boil.

Allow the lentils to simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are cooked into a porridge like consistency.

While the lentils are cooking, take another pot or pressure cooker and add 1 large onion roughly sliced, 2 tomatoes roughly chopped, and 2 green chilies.

Also add ½ tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp red chilli powder, 1 tsp salt, 2 tbsp fresh coriander leaves, and 1 sprig of curry leaves to the mix.

After adding the spices, add about 3 cups of water.

Close the lid and pressure cook for 2 whistles.

Let the pressure release, open the cooker lid and add 1 cup of prepared tamarind extract.

Then also add the cooked dal to the cooker and mix well.

Bring the mixture to a boil.

In a small pan, heat 1 tbsp of gingelly oil or ghee, add 9-10 crushed garlic cloves, ¼ tsp of mustard seeds, ¼ tsp of cumin seeds, 2 red chilies broken and few curry leaves, and ¼ tsp of asafoetida.

Fry these ingredients until they start to sizzle.

Pour this Tarka over the prepared soup.

Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and green chillies, and your pappu charu is ready to be served! Enjoy it with hot rice as a side dish or as a delicious tiffin accompaniment.

Serving Suggestions

To enjoy pappu charu at its best, serve it hot in a bowl. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for added flavor. Pairing it with steamed rice or roti creates a complete meal. Alternatively, you can serve it as a side dish with grilled meats or vegetables. You can also serve it with idlis and as a side dish with avial or dal fry. Pairing with Indian snacks and chutneys is a perfect way to quickly create a satisfying meal. For a refreshing twist, add a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of roasted peanuts on top before serving.

Storage Suggestions

To store pappu charu, allow it to cool down first. Once cooled, transfer the pappu charu to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Make sure to use a clean spoon when serving to prevent contamination. The pappu charu can be stored for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Frequently Asked Questions