Menthi Kura Pappu Recipe (Fenugreek Dal)

Menthi Kura Pappu is a wholesome and mildly bitter-sweet dal made with fresh fenugreek leaves (menthi kura) and toor dal (kandi pappu). The bitterness of fenugreek blends beautifully with the earthy dal, making it a comfort food staple in Telugu households. It’s especially enjoyed with hot steamed rice, a dollop of ghee, and a side of pickle or papad.

Ingredients

For Dal

• Toor dal  – ½ cup
• Fresh fenugreek leaves – 1 cup (washed, chopped)
• Onion – 1 medium (chopped)
• Green chillies – 2–3 (slit)
• Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp
• Salt – to taste
• Water – 2 to 2½ cups

For Tempering

• Oil – 1 tbsp
• Mustard seeds – ½ tsp
• Cumin seeds – ½ tsp
• Hing (asafoetida) – a pinch
• Garlic – 4 cloves (crushed)
• Dry red chillies – 2
• Curry leaves – few

Preparation Steps

1. Pressure Cook Dal
   • Wash toor dal well.
   • In a pressure cooker, add toor dal, turmeric, chopped onion, green chillies, and water.
   • Pressure cook for 3–4 whistles or until dal is soft.
2. Prepare Menthi Kura
   • Wash fenugreek leaves thoroughly to remove dirt. Chop finely.
   • In a small pan, saute chopped menthi kura in a few drops of oil for 2–3 minutes until slightly wilted. This helps reduce bitterness.
3. Combine Dal & Greens
   • Once dal is cooked, mash lightly.
   • Add sauteed menthi kura and salt.
   • Simmer for 5–7 minutes to let flavors blend.
4. Tempering (Popu)
   • Heat oil in a small pan.
   • Add mustard seeds, let them splutter.
   • Add cumin seeds, hing, crushed garlic, dry red chillies, and curry leaves.
   • Fry for a few seconds until aromatic.
5. Final Mix

• • Pour the tempering over the dal.
  • Mix well and turn off the heat.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot with steamed rice & ghee.
• Pair with avakaya (mango pickle) or pappadam.

Tips

• Sauteing menthi kura before adding to dal reduces bitterness.
• For a slightly tangy twist, add a few chopped tomatoes while cooking dal.
• Moong dal can be used instead of toor dal for a lighter version.

Health Benefits

• Rich in Iron & Folate – Helps improve blood health.
• Good for Digestion – Fenugreek aids metabolism.
• Cooling Effect – Ideal for hot climates.