Horse Gram Sundal

Ingredients

• - 1.5 cups horse gram (kollu)
• - 2 tbsp oil
• - 1 tsp mustard seeds
• - 1/2 tsp urad dal
• - 2 dried red chillies
• - 1 sprig curry leaves
• - 1 green chilli
• - 1/4 cup fresh grated coconut
• - Salt to taste
• - 1 tsp lemon juice

Method

1. About sundal: Sundal is a healthy South Indian boiled legume salad — simple, nutritious and high in protein. This version features horse gram (kollu). Famous in Kongunadu. Weight loss snack and Navratri offering Traditionally offered as prasad during Navratri.
2. Soak horse gram (kollu): Wash 1.5 cups horse gram (kollu). Soak overnight in cold water. Horse gram is very small and hard. Soak overnight for 12 hours minimum.
3. Cook: Drain and cook in a pressure cooker with 2 cups fresh water, 1/4 teaspoon turmeric and salt for 3 to 4 whistles. Should be tender but not falling apart.
4. Drain and cool: Drain well. Cool 10 minutes. Excess water makes sundal soggy.
5. Temper: Heat 2 tablespoons oil. Add 1 teaspoon mustard seeds (wait for pop), 1/2 teaspoon urad dal until golden. Add 2 dried red chillies, 1 sprig curry leaves and a pinch of asafoetida.
6. Add aromatics: Add 1 green chilli finely chopped and 1/2 inch ginger grated. Cook 30 seconds.
7. Add horse gram (kollu): Toss well to coat with tempered oil. Cook on medium heat 2 to 3 minutes.
8. Add coconut: Add 3 tablespoons fresh grated coconut. Toss gently. Cook 2 minutes.
9. Season: Add salt to taste and 1 teaspoon lemon juice.
10. Serve: Transfer to a bowl. Serve warm or at room temperature. Keeps fresh 4 to 6 hours.