Delicious Sundal Recipe: Healthy and Easy Chickpea Snack
Guide or Summary：Ingredients:Instructions:Serving Suggestions:Health Benefits:Variations:If you're looking for a nutritious and easy-to-make snack, look no……
Guide or Summary：
If you're looking for a nutritious and easy-to-make snack, look no further than this delicious sundal recipe. Sundal is a popular South Indian dish made primarily from legumes, and chickpeas are one of the most common ingredients used. This dish is not only healthy but also incredibly tasty, making it a perfect snack for any time of the day.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried chickpeas (or 2 cups canned chickpeas)
- 1 tablespoon oil (coconut oil or any cooking oil of your choice)
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1-2 dried red chilies
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- 10-12 curry leaves
- 1/4 cup grated coconut (fresh or frozen)
- Salt to taste
- Juice of half a lemon
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Chickpeas**: If you’re using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight in plenty of water. The next day, drain and rinse them. Cook the soaked chickpeas in a pressure cooker with enough water and a pinch of salt until they are soft but not mushy. This usually takes about 3-4 whistles. If you’re using canned chickpeas, simply drain and rinse them under cold water.
2. **Tempering the Spices**: Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds. When they begin to crackle, add the cumin seeds, dried red chilies, and asafoetida. Sauté for a few seconds until the spices release their aroma.
3. **Add Curry Leaves**: Add the curry leaves to the pan and sauté for another few seconds. Be careful as they may splutter.
4. **Mix in Chickpeas**: Add the cooked chickpeas to the pan and mix well with the tempered spices. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the chickpeas to absorb the flavors.
5. **Coconut and Seasoning**: Add the grated coconut and salt to taste. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes. The coconut adds a lovely texture and flavor to the sundal.
6. **Finishing Touches**: Turn off the heat and squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the sundal. This adds a fresh and tangy flavor. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
Serving Suggestions:
This healthy and easy chickpea snack can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect as a mid-morning or evening snack. You can also serve it as a side dish with your main meal. Sundal is often prepared during festivals and special occasions in South India, but it’s so simple and delicious that you can make it any day of the week.
Health Benefits:
Chickpeas are a great source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. They are excellent for digestion, help in maintaining blood sugar levels, and are beneficial for heart health. The addition of coconut provides healthy fats, while the spices used in the recipe have various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties.
Variations:
While chickpeas are commonly used in sundal, you can also try this recipe with other legumes such as black-eyed peas, green gram (moong beans), or even sweet corn. Each variation brings its own unique flavor and texture, making sundal a versatile dish.
This delicious sundal recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to incorporate more healthy and tasty snacks into their diet. It’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re new to Indian cuisine or a seasoned cook, this sundal recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy the wholesome goodness of chickpeas with this delightful dish!