Celery Payaru Thoran

Celery Payaru Thoran is a South Indian dish made with celery and moong dal (payaru) along with coconut and spices.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup celery, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup moong dal (split yellow lentils), soaked for 30 minutes
• 1/2 cup grated coconut
• 2-3 green chilies, chopped
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon urad dal (split black gram)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• Few curry leaves
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Moong Dal:

   • Rinse the moong dal under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak it in water for about 30 minutes. After soaking, drain the water and set aside.

2. Cook the Moong Dal:

   • In a saucepan, add the soaked moong dal along with enough water to cover it. Cook over medium heat until the dal is soft and cooked through, but not mushy. Drain any excess water and set aside.

3. Prepare the Celery:

   • Wash the celery stalks thoroughly. Trim the ends and finely chop the celery into small pieces.

4. Grind Coconut Mixture:

   • In a blender or food processor, grind the grated coconut along with green chilies to a coarse paste. Set aside.

5. Cooking:

   • Heat coconut oil in a pan or kadai over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
   • Add urad dal and sauté until it turns golden brown.
   • Add curry leaves and asafoetida (hing) and sauté for a few seconds.
   • Add the chopped celery and turmeric powder. Mix well and cook for 3-4 minutes until the celery softens slightly.

6. Combine Ingredients:

   • Add the cooked moong dal to the pan and mix well with the celery.
   • Add salt to taste and mix everything together.

7. Add Coconut Mixture:

   • Stir in the ground coconut-green chili paste and mix until well combined. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

8. Garnish and Serve:

   • Garnish the Celery Payaru Thoran with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
   • Serve hot as a side dish with rice or roti.

Enjoy the flavorful and nutritious Celery Payaru Thoran as part of your South Indian meal! Adjust the spiciness according to your taste preference by adding more or fewer green chilies.