Parippu Thalichathu / Malabar Lentil Curry

PARIPPU THALICHATHU / MALABAR LENTIL CURRY

This is a delicious side dish for rice. Parippu thalichathu is a popular curry in the Malabar region of Kerala. This curry is served with ghee rice in some parts of Kerala.

Ingredients:

1. Red lentil / masoor dal- 1/3 cup

2. Split pigeon peas / toor dal- 1/3 cup

3. Turmeric powder- 1/4 tsp

4. Green chilli- 2

5. Onion- 1

6. Grated coconut- 1 cup

7. Fennel seeds- 1/2 tsp

8. Garlic- 4

9. Coconut oil- 1 tbsp

10. Salt- as needed

11. Mustard- 1 tsp

12. Curry leaves- 1 spring

13. Sliced shallots- 4

14. Tomato- 1

In a pressure cooker, mix red lentil, split pigeon peas, turmeric powder, green chilli, salt, onion and enough water. Close cooker and cook for 2 whistles. Let the pressure go by itself.

Grind coconut, fennel and garlic into a fine paste adding little water.

Heat coconut oil. Splutter mustard. Add shallots and curry leaves. Saute till it changes its color. Add cooked lentil, ground coconut paste and tomato. Mix well. Add some water if the curry is too thick. Cook in simmer for 5 to 6 minutes.

Serve hot with rice.