Cooking Drumstick Dal: An Andhra Style Recipe

Introduction:

Drumstick Dal, or Munakkada Pappu in Telugu, is a beloved dal preparation from the Andhra Pradesh region of India. This nutritious and flavorful dish is not only packed with proteins but also offers additional health benefits. Whether you are preparing it with sambar or simply as a dal dish, this recipe provides a taste that is hard to resist. This article explores the rich tradition and cooking techniques of making Drumstick Dal.

Ingredients and Key Benefits

Drumsticks (Munakka) Cut into 50 mm Toovar Arhar Dal (Soaked for 15 Minutes, Washed and Drained) 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder (Haldi) 1/2 cup Chopped Onions 3/4 cup Chopped Tomatoes 1 tbsp Chopped Curry Leaves Salt to Taste 1 tbsp Oil 1 tsp Mustard Seeds 1 Whole Dry Kashmiri Red Chilli, Broken into Pieces 5 to 6 Curry Leaves for Tadka 1/4 Cup Water for Grinding a Coarse Mixture 1/2 cup Grated Coconut 1/2 tbsp Chopped Garlic 2 tbsp Roughly Chopped Onions 1/2 tsp Cumin Seeds 1 tsp Chilli Powder 1 tbsp Roughly Chopped Curry Leaves for Tadka

Health Benefits:

Drumsticks are renowned for their health benefits, including:

Increasing digestive power Assisting diabetic patients Building stronger bones

Adding drumsticks to your dal not only enriches the dish with these nutrients but also adds a delightful element of flavor and texture.

Method

Step 1: Pressure Cook the Dal

Combine 1 cup of drumsticks, 1/2 tsp of turmeric powder, and 2 cups of water in a pressure cooker. Mix well and pressure cook for 3 whistles (3 whistles indicate that the cooking is complete). Allow the pressure to escape naturally before opening the lid to release the steam.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

Transfer the cooked dal into a deep non-stick pan. Add chopped onions, chopped tomatoes, drumsticks, chopped curry leaves, salt, and 1 cup of water. Mix well and cover the pan with a lid. Cook on a medium flame for 12 minutes while stirring occasionally. Simultaneously, prepare a coarse mixture using 1/4 cup of water, 1/2 cup grated coconut, 1/2 tbsp chopped garlic, 2 tbsp roughly chopped onions, 1/2 tsp cumin seeds, 1 tsp chilli powder, and 1 tbsp roughly chopped curry leaves.

Step 3: Tadka

Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a small non-stick pan. Add the mustard seeds and sauté on medium flame for a few seconds. Once the mustard seeds start to splutter, add the broken Kashmiri red chilli and curry leaves and sauté for a few more seconds. Pour the tadka over the prepared dal and mix well. Cover and cook for 7 more minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Serve Hot

After the tadka has been mixed in, the dal is ready to be served hot. Sprinkle some extra chopped onions and curry leaves for garnish if desired. Alternatively, you can add raw drumsticks to the mixed dal and cook for 2-3 more minutes as the dal is already partially cooked by the time you add it.

.Devour the Drumstick Dal while it is hot and savor the delightful blend of flavors and the health benefits this dish offers!

Note: Be cautious not to let the drumsticks break or spread all over the dal, as they should maintain their shape and texture.

Conclusion

Drumstick Dal is a true gem in Andhra cuisine, a blend of traditional cooking passed down through generations. By following these simple steps, you can create a nutritious, flavorful, and wholesome dish that is sure to please both the palate and the body.