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    Home » Vegetarian Side Dishes » Lunch Box Series : LBS#5

    Lunch Box Series : LBS#5

    Published: Jul 20, 2007 · Modified: Sep 23, 2020 by Srivalli · 11 Comments

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    For today's lunch, we made Thotakura pappu made from our own backyard greens. We have this Spinach climber running behind in the backyard. It springs out suddenly, making on and off appearance. I have known Amma plucking these for making dal. Turns out great. Nothing like making out of fresh Vegetables, in this case, leaves.

    On this occasion, we ran out of all Vegetables, and didn't know what to make. Was wondering what to dish out for lunch box, when Voila, I see Green Green leaves in Athamma's hands. She said this climber has a mind of its own, it was now in full bloom. All fresh and green. So we decided to make Dal. Accompanied by okra Stir Fry.

    Whenever I think of Lady's Finger, I am reminded of two incidents, one, when young Amma used to say we should eat lots of Lady's Finger as we will become wiz kids...I guess every mother does it, why even I do it with my daughter. The other one was, my daughter once asked why it is called lady's finger. I said, it might be because it looks like a lady's finger, as example I showed her mine. She verified the vegetable with my fingers and said I should not cut it, as it will pain. Well I was overwhelmed with her response, I didn't know how to react. Since then every time I cut Okra, I remember that and feel good.

    Now coming back to the menu on hand. it was quite a simple yet satisfying one. Hubby dear even went to the extent of checking on this vein to admire its beauty. We call this Madras Palak as its the local variety.

    Today's Lunch Box had

    Palak Pappu
    Bendakaya Vepudu ~ Okra Stir Fry
    Seasoned Curd Rice with Masala Mirchi
    Palak Pappu

    Its a well known secret at home that I dont like Green vegetable much, though I love Green colour. But after making it I know it does taste very good.

    Serves: 4
    Preparation Time : 10 mins
    Cooking Time : 20 mins
    Cuisine : Andhra

    Ingredients Needed:

    Palak leaves - 1 cup
    Tur Dal - 75 gms
    Red chillies - 5 - 6 (based on your spicy)
    Tamarind - a small piece
    Onion - 1 small one
    Garlic - 2 pods
    Tomato - 2 medium
    Mustard Seeds + Urud Dal - 1/2 tsp
    Curry leaves
    Oil - 1 tbsp
    Salt to taste

    Method to prepare:

    For Dal, take the desired quantity of Greens, Wash and chop

    Clean the dal and keep aside.

    Chop the onions, tomatoes. Heat the pressure cooker, add Oil, then seasoning items.

    Once they splutter, add Onions Curry leaves, Garlic and Red Chillies. Fry till onions are brown, then add the chopped spinach leaves. Fry till the raw smell leaves.

    Add tur dal and fry well. Then add chopped tomatoes, Tamarind. Add required water. Pressure cook it for 2 - 3 whistles.

    Remove the lid and mash it with dal masher. Add salt and more water if required. Cook on high flame for few mins. Dal is ready
    Bendakaya Vepudu ~ Okra Stir Fry.

    Amma always makes Okra Fry very crispy. Thats the way I like to eat. When we were young, not sure why but I never used to eat what my brother eats and vice versa. Of course now we can't have such fancies. Now I make and love Lady's finger.

    Ingredients Needed:

    Lady's finger - 500 gms
    Chilli powder - 1 tsp
    Coriander powder - 1 tsp
    Turmeric powder a pinch
    Mustard seeds + Urud Dal - 1/2 tsp
    Curry Leaves few
    Salt to taste
    Oil - 1 tbsp

    Method to prepare:

    Wash and wipe dry the Lady's fingers. This makes it non - sticky and crispy when fried. Cut it into fine pieces.

    Heat oil in kadai. Add seasonings items. Once they splutter, add curry leaves, then chopped Okras. Fry well so that its well coated with oil. Simmer it without covering. If it is covered it becomes soft and sticky.

    Add Chille pw, Coriander pw, turmeric pw and salt to taste. Mix well. Simmer it for 10 t0 15 mins. Once you see its nice and crispy, you can remove from flame.
    Curd Rice with Masala Mirchi.

    This is the same Curd rice I normally prepare. Only addition is we added Masala Mirchi.

    Take tender chillie which is soft and does not have lot of seeds. When you press it you will know if it has lot of seeds or not. Also its light Green in colour. Slit it in middle, dry roast on tawa.Add little salt and jeera pw. This tastes good with Dal and also Curds.

    Hope you enjoyed today's lunch.

    I have added a link to my recipe list. I got help from Sig, modified few items will be working on it more. So do check and let me know your feedback!

    Print Pin

    Lunch Box Series : LBS#5

    Cuisine Andhra Pradesh
    Occasion Lunch Box
    By Diet Vegetarian
    Dish Type Andhra Pappu, Dry Side Dishes
    Author Srivalli
    Tried this recipe?Mention @cooking4all or tag #cooking4all!

    Previous Post: « Chicken Roast
    Next Post: A twist in the Semiya Upma nay Chat »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. ushaprashanth says

      July 20, 2007 at 5:17 pm

      Hi!
      The lunch menu is perfect!

      Reply
    2. Asha says

      July 20, 2007 at 12:41 pm

      YUM! Combined with Yogurt rice and spicy Okra,that is a great meal!:))

      Reply
    3. Padma says

      July 20, 2007 at 12:42 pm

      Srivalli, da is so nice lunch-box recipe...first time to you blog and I am loving it....I loved your daughters words "dont cut the lady finger, as it will cause pain", too touchy...I am sure you will never forget her cute words ever, so sweet!
      hey thanks for visiting my blog, i am glad you liked it..already added to my blog roll...still t here are more pages to check..b-bye

      Reply
    4. SeeC says

      July 20, 2007 at 12:58 pm

      Nice spread srivalli. You reminded me of my MIL. She prepares excellent Andhra dishes as you do.

      Reply
    5. Srivalli says

      July 20, 2007 at 2:06 pm

      Thanks Asha..

      Hello Padma..Welcome to my blog...thanks for your nice comments...thanks for adding me to your blogroll...pls do visit again.

      Hi Seec..glad I did...thanks for your nice comments

      Reply
    6. Dee says

      July 20, 2007 at 5:52 pm

      wow so many for lunch.. you've laid a feast for the family!!!!

      Reply
    7. ramya says

      July 20, 2007 at 6:37 pm

      felt nice seeing ur lunch box,u know i can eat bendakaaya vepudu everyday.i love that andthotakura pappu i love it(naaku chaalaa chaalaa istham) anyway i don't miss bendakaaya but sure miss the tender totakura which r not available here.u have a nice understanding sweetlittle innocent girl.

      Reply
    8. Sharmi says

      July 20, 2007 at 6:46 pm

      hey I love your lunch box as always. it is very simple. traditional and easy.

      Reply
    9. Prema Sundar says

      July 20, 2007 at 11:33 pm

      Simple and loveable meal. I love daal with okra fry. Looks great..

      Reply
    10. Jhanani says

      August 29, 2009 at 1:50 am

      Dear Valli,

      I prepared this dal and it was very tasty. My both kids loved it a lot.

      I added little mango piece reducing the tamarind amount which added more taste to this dal. Thanks.

      Reply
    11. Viji says

      January 13, 2010 at 4:30 am

      Hey
      First time to your blog and everything looks yummy and mouthwatering.Thanks for sharing.

      Reply

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