Mamidikaya Pappu | Easy Mango Pappu Recipe (Andhra Style Dal)

Introduction

Mango Pappu is a tangy, comforting, and protein-rich dal recipe from Andhra Pradesh. It combines fresh raw mangoes with toor dal (pigeon peas) to create a flavorful, wholesome dish. Perfect for hot summer days, it pairs beautifully with steamed rice and a dollop of ghee.

This recipe showcases the essence of Andhra cuisine — bold flavors, simple ingredients, and minimal cooking steps. The tangy mango balances perfectly with the creamy dal, while aromatic spices like cumin, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and garlic elevate the taste. This dish is ideal for lunch, dinner, or even festive occasions.

With this easy step-by-step recipe, you can make restaurant-quality Mango Pappu at home in just 35 minutes. Not only does it taste amazing, but it is also packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

Dal Base:

• 1/2 cup toor dal (pigeon peas)
• 1 medium raw mango, peeled and chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• 2 cups water

For Tempering:

• 1 tablespoon oil or ghee
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2–3 dry red chilies
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon hing (asafoetida)
• 1 green chili (slit)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Wash the toor dal thoroughly. Pressure cook with turmeric powder, chopped mango, and 2 cups of water for 3–4 whistles until soft.
2. After the pressure releases, mash the dal and mango gently to a smooth consistency. Adjust water if needed.
3. Heat oil or ghee in a small pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
4. Add cumin seeds, dry red chilies, green chili, curry leaves, hing, crushed garlic, and chopped onion. Sauté until aromatic and golden brown.
5. Pour the tempering into the cooked dal and mango mixture. Stir well and simmer for 2–3 minutes for flavors to blend.
6. Check seasoning and adjust salt if required. Serve hot with steamed rice and a dollop of ghee.

Tips & Variations

• Use semi-ripe mangoes for a milder tangy flavor.
• Add a pinch of hing (asafoetida) to aid digestion and enhance flavor.
• For a lighter version, substitute moong dal for toor dal.
• Ghee can be added directly to the dal before serving for a richer taste.
• Adjust mango quantity to modify tanginess to your preference.
• Skip green chilies for children; the natural mango tang is enough for flavor.
• Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of water if dal thickens.

Health Benefits

• Toor dal is a rich source of plant-based protein and fiber, promoting muscle repair and digestion.
• Raw mangoes are high in Vitamin C, improving immunity and aiding in digestion.
• Spices like cumin, mustard seeds, and garlic provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Light on fat, naturally gluten-free, and easy to digest.
• A wholesome summer dal that keeps the body cool and nourished.

Nutrition (per serving approx.)

• Calories: 180–200 kcal
• Protein: 8–10 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Fat: 5–6 g (depends on ghee/oil used)
• Vitamin C: 35–40% of RDA

Who Should Eat / Avoid

• Great for all age groups including children and elderly.
• Beneficial for vegetarians and those seeking high-protein, low-fat meals.
• People with digestive sensitivity to raw mango should adjust mango quantity.
• Diabetics can enjoy in moderation due to natural mango sugars.

Storage Tips

• Best served fresh for maximum taste.
• Can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
• Reheat gently with a little water before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Ripe mango is sweeter and less tangy. It changes the traditional flavor, but can be used in a pinch.

Yes, cook dal and mango in a heavy-bottomed pan until soft, but it may take longer (~25–30 mins).

Not recommended as mango flavor and texture change when frozen.

Conclusion

Mango Pappu is a delicious, nutritious, and tangy Andhra-style dal perfect for summer meals. It is easy to prepare, protein-rich, and pairs beautifully with rice and ghee. With the right spices and tempering, it offers a comforting, traditional flavor loved by all ages. Serve it hot as a wholesome lunch or dinner, and enjoy this classic South Indian comfort food!