A comforting, nutritious, and homestyle Andhra-style curry made with fresh spinach and yellow moong dal (pesarapappu). This dish is light, protein-rich, and pairs wonderfully with hot steamed rice or soft chapatis. Perfect for everyday meals! This humble Spinach and Pesarapappu Kura is a beautiful example of how everyday ingredients can come together to create something truly comforting. It’s wholesome, easy to make, and absolutely satisfying!
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In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat oil. Add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, dry red chillies, and hing. Let them splutter and release their aroma.
Add sliced onions, slit green chillies, and curry leaves. Sauté until the onions turn soft and light golden.
Mix in the crushed garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant. Add turmeric and sauté well.
Add the chopped spinach and sauté for a few minutes until it starts to wilt.
Add the soaked yellow moong dal, red chilli powder, and salt. Mix everything well.
Add chopped tomatoes, mix again, and cover the pan. Let the curry cook on medium-low flame for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
Once everything is cooked well and the flavors are combined, add freshly chopped coriander leaves and give it a final stir.
Soaking the moong dal helps it cook faster and gives a soft bite in the curry.
You can add a little water if you prefer a semi-dry consistency.
Feel free to add a pinch of jaggery if your spinach tastes slightly bitter.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw it and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the curry.
Can I skip soaking the moong dal?
Soaking the moong dal helps it cook faster, but you can skip it if you're short on time. Just cook the curry a bit longer until the dal softens.
What can I serve this curry with?
This curry pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, ghee, chapatis, or phulkas. You can also add a side of pickle or papad for extra flavor.
Can I make this curry spicier?
Yes, you can increase the quantity of red chilli powder or add more green chillies to make it spicier.
Can I add other vegetables to this curry?
Yes, you can add vegetables like carrots or beans for additional texture and nutrition.
I’m Rajani, a passionate cook with over 15 years of experience creating delicious, approachable dishes. My love for food began in childhood, inspired by watching Sanjeev Kapoor’s Khana Khazana with my mom and helping her in the kitchen. On The Gourmet’s Hut, I share tried-and-tested authentic Indian recipes and quick microwave mug cake recipes perfect for busy days. My goal is to make cooking simple, flavorful, and fun—because food brings people together and every meal should create memories.
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