Vada Pappu Recipe | Sri Rama Navami Specials

Vadapappu is a simple, nutritious South Indian salad made from soaked split yellow moong dal (green gram). It is an essential accompaniment with Panakam. It is offered as naivedyam (sacred offering) during the festival of Sri Rama Navami. 

Another no-cook traditional recipe. Normally it is accompanied with panakam as I mentioned earlier. The main ingredient in it is moong dal, which is light to digest and also provides protein to the body.

To offer the deity we just soak moong dal and drain the water and offer it. But to consume it we add some aromatic spices like freshly coconut, chopped green chillis and salt to taste. We even add hing or asafoetida for a nice flavourful taste.

To get tangy taste add a spoonful of grated raw mango or squeeze lemon juice of 1 or 2 lemons.

Key ingredients in Vada Pappu:

• Moong Dal: Wash and soak yellow moong dal. The amount of moong dal depend on the consumers you have, if you people like it very much you can soak 1/2 cup to 1 cup.
• Aromatic Add-ons: Freshly grated coconut and finely chopped green chillies.
• Tangy Options: Some variations include grated raw mango, or a squeeze of lemon juice.
• Simple Seasoning: A pinch of salt to taste. 

Steps to Prepare:

1. Soak: Wash the moong dal thoroughly and soak it in water for about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
2. Drain: Drain the excess water using a strainer.
3. Mix: In a bowl, toss the soaked dal with coconut, green chillies, salt, and any optional items like mango or cucumber. 

Moong dal is light on the stomach and easy to digest. When consumed with the ginger and pepper in Panakam, it forms a combination that aids overall digestion during the hot season.