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Best Easy Charu Recipe

Name: Best Easy Charu Recipe
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 220 g
Ingredients: Toor dal (split pigeon peas) 0.5 cup; Tomato 1 medium; Water 4 cups; Curry leaves 10 leaves; Turmeric powder 0.5 tsp; Mustard seeds 1 tsp; Cumin seeds 0.5 tsp; Tamarind pulp 1 tbsp; Chili powder 0.5 tsp; Salt 1 tsp; Vegetable oil 1 tbsp

Enjoy the wholesome comfort of Charu, a traditional Indian lentil preparation rich in plant-based protein. This fiber-packed vegetarian dish supports weight loss, PCOS diet goals, and is a family dinner essential.

Cook 30 min Difficulty EASY 160 kcal

#vegetarian #diabetic friendly #mediterranean #DASH

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

Toor dal (split pigeon peas) 0.5 cup
Tomato 1 medium
Water 4 cups
Curry leaves 10 leaves

Seasonings/Sauce

Turmeric powder 0.5 tsp
Mustard seeds 1 tsp
Cumin seeds 0.5 tsp
Tamarind pulp 1 tbsp
Chili powder 0.5 tsp
Salt 1 tsp
Vegetable oil 1 tbsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 27 g 67%

Protein 7 g 18%

Fat 2.5 g 15%

Serving size 220g

Cooking steps

1

Rinse the toor dal thoroughly in cold water, then soak for 15 minutes to soften.
2

In a saucepan, add the soaked dal and 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, skim off any foam, then reduce to medium heat and simmer for 20 minutes until dal is tender.
3

Mash the cooked dal lightly, then add chopped tomato, turmeric powder, tamarind pulp, and salt. Cook uncovered for another 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4

In a separate small pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and allow them to crackle, then add cumin seeds, curry leaves, and stir for 20 seconds until aromatic.
5

Pour the tempered spices and oil into the lentil mixture, add chili powder, and simmer together for 2 minutes to blend flavors before serving hot.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient in this Charu recipe?

The foundation of Charu is toor dal (split pigeon peas). It provides the essential plant-based protein and creamy texture that define this traditional Indian lentil soup. Tomatoes and tamarind add tang, but toor dal is what gives Charu its distinctive, nourishing base.

Q. How should I control heat while cooking Charu?

Begin by simmering the soaked dal at medium heat until it's soft but not overcooked. The final tempering (mustard and cumin seeds in oil) should be done on medium heat to release aromatic flavors, then quickly poured into the dal so spices don’t burn. Proper heat control ensures richness without bitterness.

Q. How do I avoid overcooking or undercooking the lentils?

Simmer the dal for about 20 minutes, testing for softness but ensuring lentils retain some shape. Mashing is done lightly. Avoid excessive boiling, which may make the Charu pasty and reduce its signature broth-like body.

Q. How nutritious is a serving of this Charu?

Each 220g serving of Charu contains about 160 kcal, with 27g carbs (67%), 7g protein (18%), and 2.5g fat (15%). It’s high in fiber, moderate in protein, and low in fat—a balanced choice for family dinners and those watching calories or carbs.

Best Easy Charu Recipe

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