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    Home » Lentils & Legumes » Pesara Pappu Charu

    Pesara Pappu Charu Recipe

    Published: Oct 12, 2022 by Pavani · 29 Comments

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    Pesara pappu charu is a simple and delicious Andhra side dish made with moong dal and tomato. This is an easy to make recipe that takes minutes to put together. You can make the dish either in an instant pot or a pressure cooker in under 30 minutes.

    I grew up eating this pappu charu and is one of my favorite comfort food. Serve this creamy and hearty tomato dal with either rice or roti.

    White bowl with pesara pappu charu.

    Table of contents

    • About the recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Expert Tips
    • You might also like
    • Recipe Card

    About the recipe

    Pesara pappu charu is one of my childhood favorite dishes. It is a very simple and easy to make recipe. Even without any spices or special ingredients, this tomato dal tastes absolutely amazing.

    It is 100% comfort food that reminds me of home because this was a staple that my mom used to make all the time. I make it now whenever I feel homesick or just plain sick. I am happy that my kids love this tomato pappu as much as I love it.

    White bowl with pesara pappu charu.

    Moong dal or pesara pappu is Telugu one of the easiest dals to cook because it gets soft and mushy in no time. Cooking it in an instant pot or pressure cooker makes it even more easier. Instructions for both pressure cooking as well as stove top version below.

    I usually serve this pesarapappu charu or tomato dal with hot steamed rice and a dry curry. That is my favorite way of enjoying this dish with a dollop of ghee on top. But this goes well even with roti or poori.

    Top view of a bowl with pesara pappu charu.

    Ingredients

    For the details of the exact quantities of each ingredient and the list of ingredients needed, check the printable recipe card below.

    Here are the ingredients you need to make Andhra pappu charu recipe:

    • Pesarapappu or split moong dal - this is a very easily available in well stocked grocery stores or Asian groceries.
    • Tomato, onion (optional), , green chilies, curry leaves.
    • Tamarind paste or lemon juice ~ you can use either of them to add flavor to this tomato dal.
    • Mustard & cumin seeds, dry red chili and hing.
    Ingredients needed, details in recipe card.

    Instructions

    For the detailed instructions on how to make the recipe with exact timings, check the printable recipe card below.

    Here's how to make Andhra style tomato pappu charu:

    Combine dal, tomatoes, green chilies and water in an Instant pot or pressure cooker. Cook on Manual under high pressure for 6 minutes or until tender. Let the pressure release naturally.

    4 panel photo showing the addition of ingredients to Instant pot.

    Heat oil in a small saucepan, add mustard and cumin seeds. After the seeds splutter, add red chilies and hing. Add the seasoning, red chili powder, turmeric and salt to the cooked dal.

    4 panel photo showing the addition of spices and tempering to dal.

    Stir in lemon juice and chopped coriander after removing from the flame and mix well.

    Expert Tips

    • Feel free to jazz up this simple tomato dal with sambar powder. You can add up to 1 tablespoon of sambar powder and reduce red chili powder to ½ teaspoon.
    • You can add crushed or finely chopped garlic (about 2~3 cloves) to the tempering. Let the garlic turn golden and then add it to the cooked lentils. This is a delicious version called lasoon moong dal that is enjoyed all over Northern India.
    • Add greens like spinach or chard to this pappu charu for a nutritious twist.
    • Store leftover dal in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
    • This tomato moong dal thickens as it cools down. So, add a splash of water while reheating it.

    You might also like

    Here are a few more pesara pappu recipes that you might enjoy:

    • Methi Moong dal Rasam
    • Pesara Garelu | Moong dal Vada Recipe
    • Pesarattu Upma Recipe | Andhra Style Moong Dal Dosa
    • Sorakaya Pesarapappu Podi Kura (Lauki/ Doodhi Moong dal Subji)
    White bowl tomato moong dal.

    I love hearing from you!! If you’ve tried this and liked it, then don't forget to let me know. Give a star rating and let me know in the comments below. Also tag me in your creations on Instagram @cooks_hideout. I love sharing photos when people make my recipes. You can use the hashtag #cookshideout too.

    Recipe Card

    Pesara Pappu Charu

    Tomato Moong dal is a simple, comforting and hearty dish to serve with either rice or roti. Recipe can be made in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker in under 30 minutes.
    Author: Pavani
    Print Pin Rate
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time: 10 mins
    Cook Time: 30 mins
    Total Time: 40 mins
    Course: soups stews
    Cuisine: andhra
    Servings: 6 servings

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup Split Moong dal (Pesara pappu)
    • 1 Small Onion, chopped (optional)
    • 2 Medium Ripe Tomatoes, chopped
    • 2~3 Green chilies, slit
    • 1½ cups Water, plus more if needed
    • 1 tablespoon Lemon juice or Tamarind paste
    • ½ teaspoon Red chili powder
    • ¼ teaspoon Turmeric
    • To taste Salt
    • 2 teaspoons Oil
    • 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
    • 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
    • 1 Dry Red chilies
    • Pinch of Asafoetida (Hing)
    • 6~8 Curry leaves

    Instructions

    Instant Pot Method:

    • Combine dal, onion (if using), tomatoes, green chilies and 1½ cups of water in an Instant pot or pressure cooker. Cook on Manual under high pressure for 6 minutes or for 3~4 whistles. Let the pressure release naturally.
    • Once the dal is cooked through, stir in red chili powder, turmeric, salt, tamarind paste or lemon juice.
      If dal looks too thick, then add about ½~1 cup of water (depending on the desired consistency) to the dal and cook for about 5 minutes on sauté mode in IP or on medium flame on the stove.

    Stove Top Method:

    • Combine dal, onion (if using), tomatoes and green chilies in a heavy bottomed saucepan. Add 2¼cups of water, bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat, cover and cook till the lentils are soft, about 25~30 minutes.
    • Once the dal is cooked through, stir in red chili powder, turmeric, salt, tamarind paste or lemon juice. Stir in more water if the dal looks too thick and simmer until heated through.

    Make Tempering:

    • Heat oil in a small sauce pan, add mustard and cumin seeds. After the seeds splutter, add red chilies, hing and curry leaves.
      Add the tempering into the dal and mix well.

    Video

    Notes

    • Feel free to jazz up this simple tomato dal with sambar powder. You can add up to 1 tablespoon of sambar powder and reduce red chili powder to ½ teaspoon.
    • You can add crushed or finely chopped garlic (about 2~3 cloves) to the tempering. Let the garlic turn golden and then add it to the cooked lentils. This is a delicious version called lasoon moong dal that is enjoyed all over Northern India.
    • Add greens like spinach or chard to this pappu charu for a nutritious twist.
    • Store leftover dal in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
    • This tomato moong dal thickens as it cools down. So, add a splash of water while reheating it.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 94kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 64mg | Potassium: 133mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 489IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @cooks_hideout or tag #cookshideout!

    More Lentils & Legumes

    • Instant Pot Sambar Recipe
    • Lemon Rasam Recipe
    • Instant Pot Kerala Parippu Curry
    • Sprouted Ragi Dosa Recipe
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Menu Today

      September 12, 2006 at 12:19 pm

      Hi Pavani,
      I love any type of "Rasam". Thanks for sharing this recipe.

      Reply
    2. mrkk08

      September 12, 2006 at 2:22 pm

      Pavani, a different type of saru.. added to by Tudu.Thnx

      Reply
    3. Vaishali

      September 12, 2006 at 2:49 pm

      That's a classic, isn't it, Pavani?

      Reply
    4. Foodie's Hope

      September 12, 2006 at 3:44 pm

      Hi Pavani, I have tried this moong dal rasam before, it does taste so different from tuar dal!! But only thing is moong dal smells funny for a while and then it tastes so good!!Thanks!!

      Reply
    5. Meena Kandlakuti

      September 12, 2006 at 6:37 pm

      Hi Pavani,

      Right now I don;nt have moong dal in store..next when I get I will try this for sure.Thank you for sharing

      Reply
    6. Cook n cook

      September 12, 2006 at 7:57 pm

      Hi Pavani

      Good recipe .

      Thnx

      Reply
    7. mrkk08

      September 13, 2006 at 2:05 am

      hi pavani..nice dal recipe. or is it rasam. thsi is close to the marathi way of making dal. have to try it. thanks

      Reply
    8. Dee

      July 11, 2007 at 2:52 am

      pavani, this was my mother's quick fix for lunch or dinner. I was making it and wanted to check if anyone else has posted it and here i come to see that you have done it long back. This is comfort food for me.

      Reply
    9. Anonymous

      March 05, 2008 at 10:07 pm

      I have a little different recipe from my mom..she cooks the moong dhal seperately first and keep it aside. Then to water add vertically sliced onions, 2 chilles (slit), one tomato, salt and little turmeric. cook untill tomatoes are cooked a little and add dhal to it..after tomatoes are cooked..season it..then let it cool and add lime juice in the end..she says if you add lime juice when its hot or while cooking it might taste bitter. Garnish it with cilantro.

      It's almost similar to what you had mentioned..

      Reply
    10. harsha vardhani

      November 12, 2016 at 1:55 am

      Hi Your site is very informative about the receipes try this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWVPgx3cXNs

      Reply
    11. Sandhya Nadkarni

      January 27, 2020 at 1:37 pm

      5 stars
      Pavani,
      This looks delicious! Dishes like these are so light and flavorful. I like the addition of methi in this rasam.

      Reply
    12. Vaishali Sabnani

      March 24, 2020 at 8:06 am

      5 stars
      I love rasams , be it moong dal or toor dal . This rasam looks little thick , I have been under the impression that these are always watery . All the same rasam is rasam ! 😜

      Reply
    13. Shailender Sharma

      March 31, 2020 at 12:31 am

      5 stars
      Soulful food much needed at the time of lockdown. Perfect texture and superbly looking. Too much yum

      Reply
    14. ARCHANA

      March 31, 2020 at 12:53 am

      5 stars
      Delicious must have especially when it uses so few ingredients! I want some and will eat it just plain like a soup.

      Reply
    15. Lata Lala

      March 31, 2020 at 10:34 am

      5 stars
      Simple recipes are most welcome at this lockdown period. We too love to eat this dal with tomatoes. Pair it up with any sukki sabzi and I am all sorted for a hearty lunch.

      Reply
    16. Mayuri Patel

      March 31, 2020 at 12:08 pm

      5 stars
      I totally agree with you Pavani, moong dal is one of the easiest to prepare and there are so ways one can make it. Love the color of your preparation and since its a bit thick would love to pair with rotis.

      Reply
    17. Sandhya Nadkarni

      March 31, 2020 at 4:28 pm

      5 stars
      Simple nutritious dals like these are real comfort food with rice. Lovely share Pavani!

      Reply
    18. Uma Srinivas

      March 31, 2020 at 7:54 pm

      5 stars
      I love moong dal rasam with vada and rice. Looks flavorful and delicious. I need that bowl of rasam right now 🙂

      Reply
    19. Jayashree T.Rao

      April 01, 2020 at 11:02 am

      5 stars
      I love cooking this dal as it requires less time too. Simple dal rice is the best food anytime.

      Reply
    20. Sapana

      April 01, 2020 at 1:09 pm

      5 stars
      Moong dal is one of our family favorites, but I have never Cooke dit this way. I will try your recipe next time, it looks so delicious.

      Reply
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