Creamy Tomato Pappu (Andhra-Style Pigeon Pea Dal)

30 minutes

837 reads

4 from 3 votes

About Creamy Tomato Pappu (Andhra-Style Pigeon Pea Dal)

Imagine a warm, comforting bowl of creamy dal, bursting with the bright flavors of tomato and the aromatic sizzle of garlic. This Creamy Tomato Pappu, a beloved dish from the Andhra and Telangana regions of South India, is pure comfort food.
Known as "pappu" in Telugu, this dal features tender pigeon peas simmered to perfection with juicy tomatoes and a fragrant garlic tempering. It's a hearty and deeply satisfying meal, perfect for any occasion.
Enjoy a truly authentic Andhra experience by serving this flavorful pappu hot with steamed rice and a generous dollop of ghee. You'll be transported straight to the heart of South Indian cuisine!
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Recipe Time & More

Prep10 minutes
Cook20 minutes
Total30 minutes
Calories36 kcal
Serves4
Served AsDinnerLunch

Ingredients
 

For the Dal

For the Tempering

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Instructions
 

  • Heat oil in a pressure cooker over medium heat.
  • Add the sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant and translucent. This infuses the oil with garlic flavor.
    Creamy Tomato Pappu (Andhra-Style Pigeon Pea Dal) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Add the chopped tomatoes and green chilies. Sauté for a minute until they soften slightly.
    Creamy Tomato Pappu (Andhra-Style Pigeon Pea Dal) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Stir in the soaked and drained pigeon peas, turmeric powder, and water. Give everything a good mix.
    Creamy Tomato Pappu (Andhra-Style Pigeon Pea Dal) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Close the pressure cooker and cook for 3-4 whistles, or until the dal is mushy but not completely smooth. Adjust cooking time based on your pressure cooker.
    Creamy Tomato Pappu (Andhra-Style Pigeon Pea Dal) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Once the pressure releases naturally, open the cooker and stir in the salt and tamarind pulp. Adjust the consistency with hot water if needed.
  • In a separate small pan, heat ghee over medium heat for the tempering.
  • Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter. This releases their nutty aroma.
    Creamy Tomato Pappu (Andhra-Style Pigeon Pea Dal) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Quickly add the asafoetida, curry leaves, dried red chilies, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the spices.
    Creamy Tomato Pappu (Andhra-Style Pigeon Pea Dal) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Immediately pour the tempering over the dal. Cover the pot for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Serve the Tomato Pappu hot with steamed rice and a drizzle of ghee.

Recipe Notes

Good To Know

  • For an extra layer of flavor, add a handful of chopped gongura (sorrel leaves) or fresh spinach during the last 10 minutes of simmering. These greens bring a delightful tang and increase the nutritional value.
  • To achieve a truly creamy texture, mash the cooked dal and tomatoes with the back of a ladle before tempering. This ensures the flavors meld perfectly and the pappu becomes silky smooth.
  • If you prefer a deeper, smokier flavor, finish the dish with a tadka (tempering) of curry leaves, dried red chilies, and a pinch of asafoetida in hot ghee, poured over the dal just before serving.
  • Leftover Tomato Pappu can be thickened on the stove and used as a spread for dosas or as a tangy filling in wraps.

Expert Tips

  • For a richer flavor, use high-quality ghee for the tempering.
  • Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer green chilies during cooking.
  • Soaking the lentils for at least 30 minutes before cooking helps them cook faster and more evenly.

Storage Instructions

  • Store leftover Tomato Pappu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
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Please appreciate the author by voting!

4 from 3 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 36kcalCarbohydrates: 1gFat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.4gSodium: 855mgSugar: 1g

Neha Pahilwani
Neha Pahilwani
Articles: 20
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4 from 3 votes

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