Not too long ago, the mention of sundal outside of south India would be met with quizzical stares. Times are changing – this simple boiled legume dish is gaining traction far and wide for its health benefits, compatibility with special diets (vegan, Jain), and ease of making.
Sundal can be made with various types of legumes – chickpeas or peanuts for example. This recipe uses a very light and easily digested legume: yellow moong dal.
Chana dal kosambari with lots of carrot, coconut and coriander – the mix of colors and flavors in this salad is so inviting, you can’t but reach out for seconds.
Sundal is a simple legume preparation from south India – a style of cooking in which boiled legumes are tempered with spiced oil and fresh coconut. The sattvic ingredient profile of sundal makes it a popular prasadam (i.e. blessed by the Gods) dish. During the nine days of Navarathri, south Indian homes traditionally offer sundal to their guests, prepared with a different legume each day.
Ever since I discovered adzuki beans, I have been trying it out in various recipes. Taking inspiration from Jamie Olivier’s pumpkin, chickpea and coconut curry, I combined the pumpkin with adzuki in a mildly spiced coconut base. Verdict: it’s a win.
Spinach and coconut milk are partners made in heaven – the creaminess of coconut plays off the mild bitterness of spinach beautifully. With a bowl of plain rice on the side, spinach in spiced coconut milk makes for an immensely satisfying meal.
Autumn begins, which means goodbye mangoes. Fruit vendors in India no longer stock those mounds of sweet-smelling heaven. Chia mango pudding is filed for use during the next mango season. Meanwhile I switch loyalties to this lovely dried cranberry banana chia pudding.
