Andhra Style Pappu Charu Recipe (Lentil Soup Style Curry)

Step 1: To begin making the Andhra Style Pappu Chaaru, first wash the dal thoroughly and soak it for 15 to 20 minutes

Step 2: Add the dal, chopped tomatoes, chopped onion, green chillies, 6 crushed garlic cloves, turmeric powder and 2 cups of water into a pressure cooker

Step 3: Place the pressure cooker on a high heat and allow it to cook

Step 4: When you hear a couple of whistles, turn the heat to low and continue to cook for a couple more whistles

Step 5: The dal should be cooked well enough to be mashed easily

Step 6: After 4-5 whistles in all, turn the heat off and allow the pressure to release naturally

Step 7: When you are able to lift the weight easily and open the lid of the pressure cooker, mash the cooked dal well using a vegetable masher

Step 8: Add tamarind pulp, salt and the remaining crushed garlic to this and 1 cup water and boil it again till the raw tamarind smell vanishes and the dal thickens

Step 9: Taste the dal and adjust salt and tamarind levels if needed

Step 10: The chaaru should be tangy, spicy and garlicy

Step 11: For tempering, place a tadka ladle on the heat

Step 12: Add some gheeand warm it up

Step 13: Add the mustard seeds and allow them to crackle

Step 14: Next, add asafoetida and curry leaves and allow them to splutter and crisp up

Step 15: Pour the tempering over the chaaru and serve with Steamed Rice and a dollop of ghee