Malabar Spinach/ Poi leaf Dal(Bacchalikura Pappu):

Poi leaf or Bacchalikura or Vasalakkirai is a thick spinach like leaf that grows on vine. It has white/ purple color seeds on the vine. It is also called malabar spinach in some regions. The leaf is lil slimy. It is available in indian stores. It is usually used in making dal or sautéed with tamarind extract which is called pulusu kura. I have the Pulusukura recipe on blog. Both recipes tastes great with Rice while Dal can be also served with Roti.

Today I made Dal and had it with Rice and Papad on the side. A simple but satisfying and undeniably comforting meal. When ever we were vacationing and eating out a lot, coming back home and having Rice n Dal is a great feeling. Saying all that the recipe is simple.Perfect for whole family.Goes with both Rice and Roti.I love leafy veggies. I already have many recipes with various greens on the blog. Check them out under 'Leafy vegetables' category.

When I make Dals, I like to Pressure cook Dal separately and cook veggies separately, instead of cooking em altogether. This way the textures will be right. Sauteeing the veggies before adding to Dal enhances the flavor of Dal.

Servings:

Four (4)

Total time:

30 minutes

Category:

Leafy vegetables

Author:

Praveena Gudipati

Ingredients: (I use US standard measuring; 1cup=8oz=250ml)

2 cups chopped poi leaf
2 tbsp oil
1 cup yellow lentils
3/4 th-1 tbsp chilli powder or 3-4 green chillies
Salt to taste
1/2 onion
Tamarind (Check picture for quantity)
For seasoning:
Mustard seeds
Cumin seeds
Red chillies

Malabar Spinach/ Poi leaf Dal Step-by-Step Recipe with Photos

Take 1 cup Toor dal(Yellow lentils) in a pressure cooker. Rinse it with water and add 2 cups of water to Dal.Add turmeric and pinch of salt. Pressure cook for 3-4 whistles.
Soak Tamarind in warm water.
Meanwhile clean the greens with water and chop into thin strips.
Chop onions into small pieces.
Heat a vessel and add 2 tbsp oil to it. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds and red chillies to the oil. When seeds splutter add onions.
Cook onions till soft.
Now add the chopped leaves to it.Cook till soft.
Add salt and chill powder.Add tamarind extract.Stir and cook for couple minutes.
Meanwhile if Dal is ready, open the cooker once pressure is gone.
Mash dal slightly and add to the cooked greens.
Stir and add l water to adjust consistency. Some people like it thin and some like thick Dal so add water according to your preference.
Cook till the Dal boils and oil floats on top.
Turn off stove.
Serve with Rice or Roti.