Thotakura Pappu(Chavuli Dal/Amaranth leaf Cooked with Yellow lentils):

Also called Arai keerai in Tamil n Chavuli in Hindi.There are two varieties of Thotakura available in US. One variety has small green leaves with green stems where as the other one has big green and red leaves with green stems.I'm using the red leaves as that's what we usually find here in Indian stores.This is one of my least favorite leafy vegetable:-).Red Thotakura has a strong smell while cooking which is the reason I do not like it much.But I make this 'Dal' frequently since Dal is so forgiving and embraces any vegetable easily.Also it masks the flavor of the leaf. 

Nutrition: Thotakura  is rich in Iron, Calcium and fiber.Has similar qualities compared to oats in many ways even though it's not a grain.Thats why It's good for pregnant woman. Infact the super grain Quinoa belongs to Amaranth family.I think I gave enough reasons for you to try this recipe.

In this recipe I used Red leaves but you can also use green Thotakura too.

Servings:
Four (4)
Total time:
35 minutes
Category:
Dals/Lentils
Author:
Praveena Gudipati

Ingredients: (I use US standard measuring; 1cup=8oz=250ml)
3/4 cup Kandipappu(Toordal/Yellow lentil)
3 cups cut Thotakura leaves(Amaranth leaves): As the bunch sizes vary, I'm giving measurement by cup.
1/4 onion
1/4th lemon size Tamarind
Salt to taste. 
1tablespoon chilli powder
1/4teaspoon Turmeric
6 teaspoon oil
Mustard seeds (Aavalu)
Cumin Seeds (Jilakara/Jeera)
red chilli (endu mirchi)

Thotakura Pappu step-by-step Recipe with Photos

1.Wash the lentils twice,add 2 cups water. To this add pinch of turmeric, little salt and cook for 3-4 whistles. Dal should be soft and easy to mash.
2.While dal is cooking :Separate the leaves from stems.

Wash the leaves.

3.Cut the leaves into thin strips.

4.Cut onion into small pieces.

5.Heat a pan and take oil in it. Season with mustard seeds,jeera and broken red chilli.

6.When the seeds splutter add onions to the pan and sautee them until they are translucent.

7.Now add the cut leaves to the pan and cook them until they are reduced and come together.Add tamarind paste, salt and chilli powder.Cook for 2 minutes.

8.Open the cooker and mash the dal with a big spoon. I like the creamy texture of dal. If you want you can skip the part so the dal will retain its shape.

9.Now add the cooked dal to the other pan with cooked Thotakura. 

10.Mix it.Bring it to boil and cook for 2 min or until oil separates and you see frothy top layer.
Turn off the stove.

Enjoy the Dal with Rice or chapati or Jonnarotte.

Tips: 
You can season and cook leaves and Dal together in the pressure cooker for one pot recipe.
Soak lentils for 30 minutes so they cook fast.
Cut down oil as per your liking.

Related Recipes:
Thotakura Vadalu(Amaranth Fritters)
Thotakura pulusu Kura
Thotakura sambar
Palakura Pappu
Gongura Pappu
Bacchalikura Pappu