Split yellow peas or moong dal is considered one of the most healthiest foods in the world and Indian cuisine uses it extensively, be it North, South, East or West. Kerala Cuisine is definitely not as lentil-rich as its northern counterparts, but there are some wholesome curries which use minimum oil and are still protein-rich.
Also check out Kerala Parippu Curry that's used for Onam and wedding sadya.
Vellarikka Parippu Curry
Serves : 2
Yellow split peas/split moong dal/mung dal/Cheru payar - 1 cup
Cubed cucumber/squash - ½ cup
Turmeric powder - one pinch
Grated coconut - ¼ cup
Shallots - 4-5
Green chillies - 3
Hing - one pinch
Jeera powder - 1 tsp
Mustard seeds - for tempering
Curry leaves - one strand
Salt - to taste
Oil - 2 tsp
How to make Parippu Curry:
1. Pressure cook the dal, cucumber and turmeric with just enough water to cover it. I let it cook for 3 whistles since I like it cooked well.
2. Heat oil and cackle mustard seeds. Fry the shallots, split green chillies, jeera and hing for 2-3 mins. Then add the coconut and mix well.
3. Add the cooked dal to the above mixture, stir in well, add salt, season with curry leaves and serve hot.
I served this with wheat dosa since me and my friend were on a minimin-rice diet and preferred whole wheat food.
*Notes*
- moong dal may be replaced with toor dal but the taste changes noticeably.
- I made this with cucumber but my friend tells me using squash doesn't change the flavour much so feel free to experiment.
Jeena
Nags this cucumber parippu dish looks really tasty! I am like you I ike my lentils well cooked. The pictures look so tempting, great recipe. 🙂
Bharathy
Believe me..I have vellarikka in my veg tray and was about to ask amma how to make this curry...just thought of making a search..I did it(that too in yahoo)and this came FIRST!..!!!
I am going to try this tommorrw Tadaaaaaa! 🙂
Rajani
hello there! I don't know if I've come by here before - did you have a different blog look earlier? cos some recipes look vagualy familiar? anyhow, I had a vellarikya in the fridge and wanted to make something other than pachhadi so googled and here I am. love your blog, layout, recipes pics - all of it! do drop by my blog sometime - I am just a newbie though!
Padma
I am trying to catch up with the current food events! this dal/curry looks so yummy!
I wish u & ur family a very happy new year!
Bharathy
Amma hinted me abt you talking over about making this,asking the recipe!..So you made it!..
A real comfort curry..Nice pictures to compliment! 🙂
Seena
With or without vellarikka this curry tastes great!
Jeena
Nags this cucumber parippu dish looks really tasty! I am like you I ike my lentils well cooked. The pictures look so tempting, great recipe. 🙂
Laavanya
Looks lovely Nags. I'm yet to try a cucumber dhal curry but hope to soon.