Sundal Recipe – A Traditional South Indian Snack

Introduction

Sundal Recipe is made with Boiled chickpeas. This is a very simple yet delicious dish which is very famous in the streets of Tamil Nadu, South Part of India. Sundal Recipe is served as a prasadam, Offering to God and Goddess on the occasions of festivals, and special occasions.

It is also a popular snack made with boiled legumes, and tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves and sprinkled fresh grated coconut. Sundal Recipe is a staple at South Indian temples and beach side stalls.  

where is Sundal Sold?

Sundal is commonly sold:

  • In street food stalls and traditional South Indian eateries.
  • At festivals and religious gatherings, particularly during Navratri.
  • At South Indian temples as a sacred offering.
  • On the beaches of Tamil Nadu, especially Marina Beach in Chennai.

Preparation Details

  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Soaking Time: 6-8 hours (for dried legumes)
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes (excluding soaking time)
  • Servings: 4

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dried chickpeas (kabuli chana) or black chickpeas (kala chana)
  • 2 cups water (for pressure cooking)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

For Tempering:

  • 1 tablespoon oil (coconut or any cooking oil)
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1 dried red chili (broken into pieces)
  • 1-2 green chilies (slit)
  • 1 sprig curry leaves
  • 1 teaspoon urad dal (split black gram)
  • A pinch of hing (asafoetida)

Garnishing:

  • 1/4 cup grated fresh coconut
  • 1 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
Sundal Recipe
Sundal Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Soaking and Cooking Chickpeas

  1. Wash the dried chickpeas thoroughly and soak them in enough water for 6-8 hours or overnight.
  2. Drain the soaked chickpeas and transfer them to a pressure cooker with 2 cups of water and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  3. Cook on a medium flame for 3-4 whistles or until the chickpeas are soft but not mushy.
  4. Once done, drain the excess water and keep the boiled chickpeas aside.

Step 2: Tempering

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a pan on medium heat.
  2. Add 1 teaspoon mustard seeds and let them splutter.
  3. Add 1 teaspoon urad dal and fry until golden brown.
  4. Toss in 1 dried red chili (broken), 1-2 slit green chilies, and a sprig of curry leaves.
  5. Add a pinch of hing (asafoetida) and sauté for a few seconds.

Step 3: Mixing and Garnishing

  1. Add the boiled chickpeas to the pan and mix well with the tempering.
  2. Stir in 1/4 cup grated coconut and mix evenly.
  3. Cook for 1-2 minutes to blend flavors, then turn off the heat.
  4. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and a dash of lemon juice (optional) for a tangy twist.

Step 4: Serving

Serve warm as a snack or as a side dish with meals. Sundal can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a hot cup of tea.

Nutrition Table (Per Serving)

NutrientAmount
Calories120
Protein6g
Carbohydrates18g
Fiber5g
Fat4g
Iron1.2mg
Calcium30mg

Special Notes

  • Legume Choices: Apart from chickpeas, you can make Sundal with green gram, black-eyed peas, or peanuts.
  • Spice Levels: Adjust the number of green chilies according to your spice preference.
  • Healthier Version: Skip the oil and use a non-stick pan for a low-fat version.
  • Festival Offering: If preparing Sundal for puja, avoid adding onions and garlic.

Conclusion

Sundal Recipe is a easy to make, nutritious, flavour full South Indian snack that is loved by street food lovers. If you prepare Sundal Recipe for Prasadam on festivals, or a evening tea side snack. This dish never fails to intricate your taste buds.   

Try this simple recipe and enjoy a taste of South India at home! And give us the comments how it was in taste.

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