Pasta Pesarattu

Pasta Pesarattu is a fusion dish combining the traditional flavors of Andhra Pradesh with Italian pasta, featuring a lentil-based sauce that's rich in protein and flavor. This vegetarian dish is both wholesome and satisfying, perfect for a quick meal or a special occasion.

Ingredients

• Whole green moong dal (mung beans) - 100 grams
• Spaghetti or any pasta - 150 grams
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Green chili - 1, finely chopped
• Ginger - 1 teaspoon, grated
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon
• Turmeric powder - 1/4 teaspoon
• Coriander powder - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Water - as needed

Steps

1. Soak the whole green moong dal in water for 4-6 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse before use.
2. In a blender, add the soaked moong dal, green chili, ginger, and garlic, along with a little water to make a smooth paste. Set aside.
3. In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
5. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
6. Stir in the turmeric powder, coriander powder, salt, and black pepper, cooking for another minute.
7. Add the moong dal paste to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens.
8. Incorporate the cooked pasta into the dal sauce, mixing well to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
9. Finish with fresh coriander leaves and lemon juice, stirring gently.
10. Serve hot, garnished with additional coriander if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 15 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in protein and fiber due to moong dal, supporting muscle health and digestion.
• Contains healthy fats from olive oil, beneficial for heart health.

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