Parippu in Malayalam literally translates to split beans or dal. Mildly flavored Mung dal curry, simply referred to as Parippu, is the first course in a traditional Kerala Sadya (feast). There are many other versions of Parippu – the ones to go with ghee rice , or rotis or with vegetables. But the Parippu for Sadya is the simplest and most delicious of all.
Sadya Parippu is very mildly flavored. There are no strong flavors here. A dash of cumin and coconut complements the Mung dal. No traditional tadka (sesonings) either. Usually you have this with rice and a dollop of ghee. This is definitely a light way to start the meal that winds its way through multiple courses of spiced and sweet dishes. As far as certain people in my household is concerned this dal with a dollop of ghee and a crunchy papad is all you need to make a meal :-).
Just 1 oz of Mung bean packs enough protein as an egg . It is also a source of many vitamins , minerals and calcium. Whenever I sing the nutritional praise of a food item , my kids roll their eyes as if to say “Hmm there Mommy goes again, as if all that is going to make this taste good !!”. But this was one meal that they all loved from the get go. Mellow, silky smooth and easy to digest.
This is an easy recipe as make . The skinned mung beans are dry roasted and cooked. Afterwards it is mashed and flavored with ground coconut and cumin . That is the basic parippu recipe and our favorite kind as well. Spice lovers add a green chili or 2 while cooking beans, and optionally you can add a curry leaf . No tempering or any such distractions here , just the wholesome taste of the beans .
Here is a the recipe in pictures :
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- Wash and dry the beans
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- Into the cokker
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- Dry roast
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- Add water , garlic and chilies
Wash and drain the mung dal in kitchen towels until all the excess moisture is absorbed. Take a heavy bottomed pan or pressure cooker and heat over medium heat. Once the pan is hot add the mung dal to it and dry roast stirring often. Roast the dal till it is dry and begins to turn color. Pour enough water to cover the dal by about one inch, and add garlic, turmeric and green chilies if using. Cover and cook till done. If using a pressure cooker follow directions for cooking beans. This can be made without the pressure cooker as well. The dal takes a little longer to cook, and you might need to add more water.
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- Grated coconut and cumin
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- Ground to smooth paste
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- Cooked beans
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- Mash
While the dal is cooking, grind the coconut and cumin to s smooth paste adding a little water. Mash the cooked dal well. If it is dry add a little water to loosen it and bring it to a slow simmer.
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- Add coconut paste , salt and water
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- Mix well
Add the ground paste. mix well . If needed add enough hot water for desired consistency. Adjust salt and add a spig of curry leaf if desired. Bring to a slow simmer over medium heat . Taste, adjust seasonings and turn off the heat .
Parippu
Ingredients
- Skinned Mung Beans cheruparippu - 1 C (200gm)
- Salt - 3/4 tsp To taste
- Coconut Grated - 1/4 C loosely packed
- Cumin seeds - 1/2 Tsp
- Garlic - 1 clove optional
- Turmeric - A pinch optional
- Green Chili - 1 optional
- Curry Leaves - a Few
- Water - 3 to 4 C
Instructions
- Wash and dry the mung beans.
- Heat the pan and when hot add the dried beans and dry roast till the raw smell goes away. Keep stirring to prevent sticking to the bottom and do not let it brown .
- Add 2 C water, the minced garlic (optional) , a pinch of turmeric (optional), and green chilies (if using). Cover and cook till the beans are done, about 2 to 3 whistles in a pressure cooker.
- Grind the coconut and cumin seeds in a blender to a smooth paste . Add enough water , 1/4 to 1/2 C as required, to make a smooth paste.
- Uncover the lid and mash the beans well . Add three quarter of the the ground coconut mix and salt to it . Mix well, add enough water for the right consistency . Place the curry leaves and bring to a simmer over medium heat Taste , adjust salt , add the remaining coconut paste if needed. If adding coconut paste bring it back to slow simmer . Turn off the heat .
- Serve over rice with a dollop of ghee.
Notes
- Garlic is added as a digestive aid - often times it is not included in
Sadya menu. - Turmeric is just an enhancer and I do not use it as a rule. Use sparingly, the curry should have no turmeric flavor
Important: Nutrition Values are estimates. Actuals vary based on ingredients and serving size.
The way I make it there is rarely any curry leaves or chilies. Try it without the optional ingredients, you will be surprised to discover how much flavor is packed into the tiny mung bean !! For an authentic taste serve over hot parboiled “Matta” rice (not pictured) with a dollop of ghee. If looking for a very vegan experience, replace ghee with extra virgin coconut oil.
If you try this recipe, I would love to hear about it ! Leave a COMMENT, RATING , share a photo and TAG me on INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK OR GOOGLE+
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