Gongura Pappu Recipe

Making Indian dishes at home doesn’t have to be complicated, even with the incredible variety of flavors and recipes the cuisine has to offer. 

Some dishes stand out for their bold taste and simplicity, making them perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks.

One such dish is gongura pappu—a comforting, tangy lentil curry made with gongura leaves. 

It’s a staple in many South Indian households, loved for its vibrant flavors and hearty appeal. 

With just a few steps, you can recreate this classic at home and enjoy a dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

Ready to make this timeless recipe part of your family meals? Let’s get started!

What Do You Need To Make Gongura Pappu?

• ½ of a cup of arhar dal.
• 1 and a ½ cups of gongura leaves.
• ½ of a cup of roughly chopped red onion.
• 2 to 3 green chilies, sliced down the center.
• ¼ of a teaspoon of turmeric powder.
• A pinch of salt.
• 2 cups of water. 
• 1 tablespoon of oil.
• ¼ of a teaspoon of mustard seeds.
• ½ of a teaspoon of cumin seeds.
• 1 dried red chili.
• 7 to 8 curry leaves. 
• 2 cloves of garlic.

How Do You Make Gongura Pappu?

Now that you’ve got all the ingredients, let’s get started making your gongura pappu!

Step 1 – Wash The Arhar Dal

First, you will want to grab your arhar dal and hold it under some cold running water until the water runs clear. Once the arhar dal has been washed, add the chopped gongura leaves, the chopped onion, and green chilies to the pressure cooker.

Step 2 – Start The Pressure Cooker

Once you have added the ingredients to the pressure cooker, make sure to also add a pinch of salt, some turmeric powder, and 2 cups of water.

From here, stir them all together quickly, set the heat to medium, and allow the ingredients to cook for around 6 to 7 whistles of the pot, or at least until the dal is cooked.

Step 3 – Grab Your Hand Blender

Take the lid off of the pressure cooker to reveal the cooked ingredients, and then grab your hand blender. Give the hand blender a quick whirl to chop the ingredients up.

The key here is not to overdo it, as you do not want the ingredients to become a paste. You merely want to chop them down to a much smaller size. 

If you notice that there is too little water in the ingredients, then add more and continue simmering until the consistency ends up just right! 

Step 4 – Start Creating The Tempering

To begin making your tempering, pour a small amount of oil into your pan and heat it up on the stove. Once the oil has heated up, drop in your mustard seeds and wait until they begin to pop. Once they do, simply grab your cumin seeds and drop them into the oil to allow them to sizzle. 

Once the cumin seeds have sizzled for a while, you can then drop in your red chilies, your curry leaves, and the garlic cloves that you prepared earlier. Allow these to cook for a further 2 minutes on your stove.

Step 5 – Combine The Two

Once your tempering has finished cooking, remove it from the heat and pour the tempering directly onto the dahl you were working on shortly before. 

Then, all you need to do is to give the two a little mix together and allow them to simmer for around an extra 2 minutes. From here, you can simply pour the completed dish into separate bowls, ready to be served out to your hungry guests!

What Should You Serve With Gongura Pappu?

Gongura pappu is delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can make your meal even more enjoyable.

A classic pairing is steamed white rice. The tangy, saucy flavors of gongura pappu soak into the rice, creating a comforting combination that’s full of flavor. Rice makes it easy to enjoy every bit of the dish without leaving any sauce behind.

Another great option is serving it with roti or naan. These soft, warm breads are perfect for scooping up the lentil and gongura mixture. Roti adds a wholesome, satisfying texture, while naan’s slight fluffiness makes every bite a treat. Sharing this dish with bread is also a wonderful way to enjoy it with friends and family.

Is Gongura Pappu Good for You?

Gongura pappu isn’t just tasty—it’s also packed with nutrients. Gongura leaves are a rich source of iron, vitamins, folic acid, and antioxidants, which are great for your gut and overall health.

With the protein and fiber from lentils, it’s a satisfying and nourishing dish that works well as part of a balanced meal. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or enjoying it as a quick, healthy meal, it’s a wholesome option for everyone at the table.

How Long Does Gongura Pappu Last?

Gongura pappu is perfect for making ahead or enjoying leftovers. Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it will stay fresh for up to four days.

For longer storage, you can freeze it. Simply portion the dish into freezer-safe containers, and it will last for a few months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw and reheat—it’s as simple as that!

Final Thoughts

Gongura pappu is one of the most flavorful dishes in Indian cuisine, and it’s surprisingly simple to make at home. 

This recipe uses just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, making it a great choice for both weeknight dinners and gatherings with friends.

Whether you serve it with rice, bread, or both, gongura pappu is sure to delight everyone at the table. 

It’s a dish that’s easy to share, comforting to eat, and packed with goodness—perfect for any occasion!