#40 : Potlakaya Kura ~ Snake Gourd Curry

As a kid the only vegetables I liked were potatoes and okra. Anything other than these two meant that the meal was not interesting enough and I would throw a tantrum to eat. So naturally went I began cooking I experimented with vegetables I was familiar with and liked.Thanks to this challenge of documenting family recipes, I have a new favorite vegetable.This recipe is simple, low calorie and protein rich. Very filling and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 medium sized Snake Gourd- cut into 1/4th inch roundels
• 1/8 cup Moong Dhal -Lentils - Soaked in water for 10 mins
• 1/4 cup Water
• Salt to taste

For Tempering

• 1tsp - Oil
• 1 tsp - Mustard seeds
• 1 tsp - Cumin seeds
• 1 tsp - Urad Dhal
• 2 Dry Red Chillies 
• 7-8 Curry leaves
• 1/8 tsp - Asafoetida
• 1 tsp Red Chilli powder
• 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
• 1 inch ginger- grated / pounded 
• 2 green chillies- Pounded
• 1.5 TBS dired desiccated coconut powder

Method:

1.  Pressure cook the snake gourd and moong dal in little water for 1 whistle. Set aside and let the the steam escape
2. In a medium pan -Heat oil , add mustard seeds , let them splutter . To it add cumin seeds, urad dhal, red chillies and fry until the urad dhal turns slightly golden. Add curry leaves, asafoetida, red chilli powder,turmeric, grated ginger, green chillies  and dired desiccated coconut and fry for 2-3 minutes. Add the steamed snake gourd-dhal mixture and fry on medium heat for about 10 mins. Add salt
3. Serve with hot rice

#17 : Tomato Pappu ~ Tomato Dhal

Another of the Oh ! so favorite comfort foods . Something that I end up making at least once a week if not more . Need I say anything else ?

#13 : Palakura Pappu ~ Spinach and Lentils

"Palakura Pappu" is a simple lentil recipe that is mildly spiced . It is high in fiber , iron and protein . Being vegetarian , I grew up eating lentils everyday . Warm rice and dhal is a favorite comfort food . Quick and easy, Palakura pappu finds it way on the table very often . 

Ingredients:

• 3 cups Spinach chopped
• 1/2 Cup Tur Dhal 
• 2.5 Cups Water
• 4-5 Small Green Chillies
• Lime sized Tamarind
• Salt

      For Tempering :

• 1 tsp Oil 
• 1/2 tsp - Mustard seeds
• 2 Dried Red Chillis
• 1 tsp Red Chilli powder
• 1/8 tsp - Asafoetida
• 5-6 Curry Leaves 

Method:

1. Wash the tur dhal 
2. To it add the spinach , green chillies, water and pressure cook for 3-4 whistles. Set aside 
3. Once the steam escapes the the cooker , remove the lid add tamarind and bring the dhal mixture to a boil . Add in the salt as required
4. For Tempering - Heat oil , add mustard seeds . Once they begin to splutter add the red chilies ,curry leaves, asafoetida and red chilli powder and fry for a minute . Add the tempering to the boiling dhal mixture 
5. Serve with hot rice . Also tastes great as a soup 

#8 : Mamidikaya Pappu ~ Mango Dhal

"Mamidikaya", Mango is considered as the king of all fruits . This dhal is made by combining raw green mango and tur dhal ( split skinned pigeon lentils ) . It is very simple to make and tastes completely out of the world . I can vouch that this is a personal favorite to many Telugus and is a core part of the Andhra cuisine . I have fond summer memories of enjoying this dhal with piping hot rice . Even today as I make it , my heart skips an eager beat . Love .

Ingredients:

• 1 Green Mango - Skin peeled and chopped ( Leave the seed out )
• 3/4 Cup Tur Dhal 
• 3 Cups Water
• 4-5 Small Green Chillies
• Salt

      For Tempering :

• 1 tsp Oil 
• 1/2 tsp - Mustard seeds
• 2 Dried Red Chillis
• 1 tsp Red Chilli powder
• 1/8 tsp - Asafoetida
• 5-6 Curry Leaves 

Method:

1. Wash the tur dhal 
2. To it add the mango pieces , green chillies, water and pressure cook for 3-4 whistles. Set aside 
3. Once the steam escapes the the cooker , remove the lid and bring the dhal mixture to a boil . Add in the salt as required 
4. For Tempering - Heat oil , add mustard seeds . Once they begin to splutter add the red chilies ,curry leaves, asafoetida and red chilli powder and fry for a minute . Add the tempering to the boiling dhal mixture 
5. Serve with hot rice . Also tastes great as a soup