brain foods

Brahmi Dal Fry / Vallarai Paruppu Kootu

This traditional Indian recipe is not only easy to make but also packed with the goodness of moong dal and Brahmi leaves, making it a perfect choice for a healthy and satisfying meal.

This Brahmi Dal Fry / Vallarai Paruppu Kootu is a famous Indian food for improving memory power. It’s time to bring you all an ancient recipe from the pages of the Ayurveda. These leaves are called Pennywort leaves or Brahmi Leaves in India. Known for their immense benefits to the brain and liver, this has lived on in our kitchens for generations. It improves memory power hence it is good for young students. It is also known as ‘Brain Tonic’.

When it’s the time of the year to break out those books and get to studying and pulling all-nighters, having these once a week is sure to bring you tons of benefits. I used to make this brahmi dal fry for my son during his 12th grade! So try to give this vallarai paruppu kootu/brahmi dal fry to your kids at least once in a month! Let's dive into the recipe and discover the unique flavors of this nutritious dish.

What Is Brahmi Dal Fry / Vallarai Paruppu Kootu?

Brahmi Dal Fry, also known as Vallarai Paruppu Kootu, is a traditional South Indian dish that combines moong dal with the unique flavors of Brahmi leaves. The dish is cooked with a blend of Indian spices and seasoning, resulting in a succulent and flavorful dal that pairs perfectly with rice or rotis. The combination of moong dal, Brahmi leaves, and a mix of spices creates a dish that is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits.

Why You'll Love Brahmi Dal Fry / Vallarai Paruppu Kootu?

Velvety Smooth Texture: This dish boasts a velvety smooth texture, thanks to the creamy moong dal and the blended Brahmi leaves. It's a comforting, heartwarming meal that is perfect for any occasion.
Packed with Nutrients: Brahmi leaves, also known as Vallarai Keerai, are a powerhouse of nutrients. They are rich in antioxidants, iron, and vitamin C, making this dish not only delicious but also extremely healthy.
Aids in Brain Health: Brahmi leaves are known for their memory-enhancing properties. Including them in your diet can help improve cognitive function and promote overall brain health.
Easy to Digest: Moong dal, the star ingredient of this dish, is incredibly easy to digest. It's a great source of protein and is light on the stomach, making it suitable for all age groups.
Perfect for Weight Watchers: This dish is low in calories and high in fiber, making it an excellent choice for those who are looking to manage their weight. It keeps you feeling full for longer, thus reducing the chances of overeating.
Versatile Serving Options: Whether you prefer it with steamed white rice or fluffy rotis, Brahmi Dal Fry is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in multiple ways, making it a must-have in your recipe repertoire.

Ingredients for Brahmi Dal Fry / Vallarai Paruppu Kootu

Moong Dal: Moong dal adds a nutty flavor and creamy texture to the dish, making it a hearty and comforting meal.
Green Chilies: Green chilies add a spicy kick to the dish, balancing out the other flavors and adding a bit of heat.
Turmeric Powder: Turmeric powder adds a warm, earthy flavor and a vibrant yellow color to the dish, as well as its well-known health benefits.
Asafoetida Powder: Asafoetida powder adds a unique savory and slightly pungent flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste.
Vallarai Keerai / Brahmi Leaves: These nutritious and aromatic greens add a fresh and herby flavor to the dal, as well as a vibrant green color.
Shallots or Onion: Shallots or onion add a sweet and slightly tangy flavor to the dish, as well as depth and richness.

How To Make Brahmi Dal Fry / Vallarai Paruppu Kootu?

To make this delicious and nutritious dish, start by washing the moong dal and soaking it in water for 30 minutes. Then, in a pressure cooker, add the soaked moong dal along with water, turmeric powder, oil, and 2 slitted green chilies. Cook it for 2 whistles or until fully cooked.
While the dal is cooking, pick the Brahmi leaves from their stem and wash them twice. Chop the onion finely and heat a pan with oil over medium heat. Stir-fry the Brahmi leaves for 1 minute, then add water, cover the pan with a lid, and cook for 2 minutes over low heat. Once cooled, blend the leaves into a smooth paste.
In another pan, heat ghee and add mustard and urad dal until it splutters. Then add cumin seeds, red chilies, curry leaves, and chopped onion. Stir-fry until the onion becomes golden brown.
Finally, add the cooked dal, Brahmi paste, and salt. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes. Finish by adding some ghee and your healthy Brahmi dal fry is ready to serve. This dish pairs well with white rice or rotis.

The key to a flavorful Brahmi Dal Fry is in the cooking and blending of the Brahmi leaves, as this brings out their unique taste and nutritional benefits. Don't skip the step of tempering the spices in ghee, as this adds a depth of flavor to the dish. Enjoy the wholesome and aromatic flavors of this nutritious meal!

Serving Suggestions

Serve with Rice: The Brahmi Dal Fry pairs perfectly with steamed white rice, creating a wholesome and satisfying meal. The creamy texture of the dal complements the fluffy rice, making it a comforting and balanced combination.
Accompany with Rotis: For a lighter option, serve the Brahmi Dal Fry with soft rotis or whole wheat flatbreads. The combination of the hearty dal and the chewy rotis creates a filling and nourishing meal.
Pair with Pickles: Add a pop of flavor by serving the Brahmi Dal Fry with a side of tangy and spicy Indian pickles. The contrast in taste and texture enhances the overall dining experience, making each bite more enjoyable.
Include a Vegetable Dish: Complete the meal by adding a vegetable stir-fry or curry on the side. The additional dish adds diversity to the flavors and provides a variety of nutrients for a well-rounded meal.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped coriander or parsley on top of the Brahmi Dal Fry for a touch of freshness and vibrant color. The herbs elevate the visual appeal and add a burst of flavor to the dish.
Enjoy with Papadums: Crispy papadums make for a delightful accompaniment to the Brahmi Dal Fry. The light and crunchy texture of the papadums complements the creamy dal, creating a delightful contrast in each bite.

Tips for Brahmi Dal Fry / Vallarai Paruppu Kootu

Cooking Techniques: Using a pressure cooker to cook the dal ensures that it is fully cooked and tender in just a few whistles, saving time and energy.
Importance of Garnishing: Garnishing with a drizzle of ghee at the end not only adds flavor but also enhances the presentation of the dish, making it more visually appealing.
Blending Technique: When making the Brahmi paste, blend until smooth for a creamy texture that combines seamlessly with the dal.
Seasoning Tips: Be patient when frying the mustard, urad dal, cumin seeds, and onions, allowing them to turn golden brown for the perfect flavor and aroma.

Variations for Brahmi Dal Fry / Vallarai Paruppu Kootu

Adding Vegetables: Experiment with adding different vegetables like carrots, peas, or spinach to the dal fry for added nutrition and flavor. Simply chop the vegetables and sauté them along with the onion in the ghee before adding the cooked dal.
Coconut Milk: For a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness, try adding coconut milk to the dal fry. Simply replace some of the water with coconut milk and let it simmer for a few minutes before serving.
Tempering Variations: Switch up the tempering by adding different spices like fenugreek seeds, fennel seeds, or even some freshly grated ginger for a unique flavor profile.
Tomato Twist: Add a tangy twist to the dish by incorporating some fresh tomatoes. Simply chop the tomatoes and sauté them with the onion until they are soft before adding the cooked dal.
Herb Infusion: Infuse the dal fry with the flavors of fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, or parsley. Simply finely chop the herbs and stir them into the dal just before serving for a burst of freshness.
Nutty Crunch: For an added crunch and nutty flavor, try topping the dal fry with some toasted nuts like cashews or almonds just before serving.

Health Benefits of Brahmi Leaves:

Furthermore, I would like to share the health benefits of vallarai/ Brahmi Leaves:

It protects the brain cells and also rejuvenates them. It also helps to improve memory and concentration span. According to Ayurveda, vallarai has a cooling effect on the body because of which it pacifies Pitta and relives hyperacidity, ulcers, diarrhea and dysentery. It can also help to reduce depression and anxiety which are caused by chronic stress.Some have suggested that Brahmi may be a promising therapy for Alzheimer’s.

How to Store Brahmi Dal Fry / Vallarai Paruppu Kootu

Proper Storage of Ingredients: Keep the moong dal in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain its freshness and prevent moisture from spoiling it. Store the vallarai leaves or Brahmi leaves in the refrigerator, wrapped in a paper towel and placed in a sealed plastic bag. This will help to keep them fresh for a longer period.
Importance of Proper Storage: Storing the moong dal properly will ensure that it retains its flavor and nutritional value for a longer period, making it suitable for future use in various recipes. Keeping the vallarai leaves fresh will ensure that they can be used to prepare more delicious and nutritious Brahmi Dal Fry or Vallarai Paruppu Kootu in the future.
Extend Freshness with Freezing: You can also consider freezing the vallarai paste in ice cube trays and then transferring the cubes to a freezer bag once they are frozen. This will help to extend the shelf life of the paste.
Avoid Moisture and Humidity: Make sure to store the cooked dal in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing any moisture or odors from the surroundings.
Use Fresh Ingredients: It is always best to use fresh moong dal, green chilies, and other ingredients to ensure the best flavor and nutritional value in your Brahmi Dal Fry or Vallarai Paruppu Kootu.
Refrigerate Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in a refrigerator in an airtight container to enjoy them again later. Proper storage will maintain the flavor and quality of the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What can I use instead of Brahmi leaves for the dal fry?

You can substitute Brahmi leaves with spinach or any other leafy green of your choice. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I use other dals instead of moong dal?

Yes, you can use other dals like toor dal or masoor dal for this recipe. Just keep in mind that different dals may require different cooking times.

Is it necessary to soak the moong dal before cooking?

Soaking the moong dal helps it cook faster and more evenly. However, if you're short on time, you can skip the soaking step and increase the cooking time in the pressure cooker.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

If you prefer a spicier version, you can increase the quantity of green chilies or add a pinch of red chili powder to the dal fry.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, you can make this recipe completely vegan by substituting ghee with a plant-based oil like coconut oil or vegetable oil.

Can I store the leftover Brahmi dal fry?

Yes, you can store the leftover dal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Just reheat it before serving.

Recipe Card