Chickpea Sundal, a beloved South Indian snack, is more than just a culinary delight; it's a wholesome and nutritious treat that embodies the flavors of tradition and simplicity. This dish, which often finds its way into festivals, pujas, and everyday meals, is a perfect balance of taste, health, and spirituality. In this blog post, we'll unravel the secrets to making the perfect Chickpea Sundal and explore the history and significance of this dish.

The Origins of Chickpea Sundal:

Chickpea Sundal, also known as Chana Sundal, has its roots deeply embedded in South Indian cuisine, particularly in the states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. It's a dish that's not only a staple during festivals like Navratri and Ganesh Chaturthi but also a popular snack found at street stalls and households across the region.

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup dried chickpeas (kabuli chana)
• 2 Tablespoons oil
• 1 Teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 Teaspoon urad dal (split black gram)
• 1 Teaspoon chana dal (split chickpeas)
• 2-3 Dried red chilies, broken into pieces
• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
• 10-12 Curry leaves
• 1/2 Cup freshly grated coconut
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Start by washing the dried chickpeas thoroughly and then soaking them in water overnight. This step is essential to soften the chickpeas and reduce cooking time.
2. Once soaked, drain the chickpeas and rinse them again.
3. In a Pressure cooker, add the chickpeas and enough water to cover them. Cook until they are soft and easily squishable
4. Heat oil in a Pan and add mustard seeds. Allow them to splutter.
5. Add urad dal, chana dal, broken red chilies, and a pinch of asafoetida. Sauté until the dals turn golden brown.
6. Toss in the curry leaves and sauté for a few more seconds.
7. Add the drained, cooked chickpeas to the Pan and mix them well with the tempering.
8. Add freshly grated coconut and salt to the chickpeas. Stir to blend all the flavors.
9. In a separate small Pan, heat oil, and add mustard seeds, urad dal, chana dal, broken red chilies, and a pinch of asafoetida. Sauté until the dals turn golden brown.
10. Pour this tempering over the chickpea Sundal for an added burst of flavor and aroma.
11. Your Chickpea Sundal is now ready to be savored as a snack, a side dish, or an offering during festivals and pujas.

Chickpea Sundal is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of South India, where food is more than just sustenance; it's an expression of love, culture, and spirituality. As you prepare and enjoy this wholesome snack, remember the significance it holds in various celebrations and rituals. So, whether you're seeking a healthy and tasty snack or a meaningful addition to your festive spread, Chickpea Sundal is a delightful choice that brings warmth to your table and joy to your taste buds.