Navratri means Nine nights
, where in different forms of goddess Durga or Maa Shakti are
worshiped. In India, this festival is celebrated in different states in their
own unique way , representing their tradition and custom. In Gujarat and
Maharashtra where Garbha and Dandiya nights are popular , in Northern states
like Punjab Jagratas are organised during these 9 days. In eastern part of
India, Navratri is celebrated as Durga Pooja while in Southern states of Tamil
Nadu , Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh the highlight of Navratri is a doll and
figurine display called Golu. The customs and traditions may be different but
all of them have one common reason behind this celebration, the victory of good
over evil !
Food plays an important part in any celebration. In states
of Gujarat and Maharashtra where devotees observe 9 day fast, eating only one
meal a day , one can find countless varieties of fasting food ( Vrat ka khana)
as a highlight of this 9 day festival. Whereas in Southern states, variety of Sundals are prepared during
Navratri. Sundal is a basically a South Indian salad made by using different
types of legumes. A protein rich , low fat snacks which can be included in our
diets guilt free.
Chickpea Sundal is common and simplest yet delicious among the
Sundal recipes. An aromatic and flavorful Chickpea stir fry recipe in which the
boiled chana ( kabuli Chana) are tempered with Curry Leaves , Spices and
Coconut. This snack is spicy and slightly tangy in. taste and can be easily
prepared in very less time.
Serves: 4
Preparation time : 6-8 hours for soaking the Chickpeas
Cooking time : 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried Chickpea
- 2-3 tbsp. scrapped fresh Coconut
- 1 -2 tsp Mustard Seeds
- 3-4 dry red Chilies , halved
- 2 green Chilies , slit length-ways
- 2-3 sprigs of Curry leaves
- 1 tbsp. finely chopped fresh
Coriander
- 1 tbsp. lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp. Oil
Method:
- Rinse and soak the dried chickpeas for 6-8 hours or overnight in enough water. You may use the
canned Chickpeas also in this recipe to save time .
2. Drain the chickpeas and
add them to a pressure cooker with 3 cups of water and some salt . Pressure
cook for 2-3 whistles. We are looking for well-cooked Chickpeas which are soft enough but not mushy.
3. Remove the boiled
chickpeas in a colander. Reserve the stock and use it in dals or soup. Let
it cool down.
4. Heat up oil in a wok on
medium flame. Add mustard seeds. Once they splutter add the red chilies,
stir fry for few seconds. Now add the green chilies and curry leaves.
5. After few seconds add in
the cooked Chickpeas. Stir fry for a minute.
6. Cover cook for about 3-4
minutes, so that the chickpeas are coated in the spices.
7. Add the scrapped Coconut
and Coriander leaves. Toss well. Put off the flame.
8. Lastly season the chickpea
Sundal with lemon juice and salt. Serve warm or cold.
I hope you would love to try out this simple yet flavorful Sundal recipe this Navratri. For more Navratri recipes , do check my posts on
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