Andhra Style Mudda Pappu

Wash and soak the lentils in enough water for almost 2 hours. Add 2 cups of water, salt and turmeric to a pressure cooker along with the soaked lentils. Pressure cook for 6-7 whistles. Keep aside to let the pressure settle down.

Meanwhile heat ghee for the tempering. Add mustard and cumin seeds both. Let them crackle a bit before adding the dry red chillies and the curry leaves.

Open the lid of the cooker and mash it well. Adjust salt at this stage and if required add a little water to keep it from drying. It should be totally mashed. Heat it a little and then add the tempering. Serve it hot with ghee, pickle and curds.

Mudda Pappu is the quintessential comfort food of the Andhraites. Pressure cooked dal, mashed and tempered is used as a main course in the Andhra traditional meal with steaming white rice and the famous avakai (mango pickle). The down to earth, natural and subtle flavours just melt in your mouth. Nothing can be better than this. Traditionally toddlers and kids are fed with rice and lentils along with a dollop of ghee. This one is for sure a heaven in terms of comfort and flavour. Happy Cooking!