Delicious Kadali Paruppu Sundal with Sundal Podi

"Authentic Kadalai Paruppu Sundal Recipe with Sundal Podi – A Perfect Navratri Offering"

What is Sundal?

    Sundal is a quintessential South Indian delicacy, especially popular during festive seasons like Navaratri, Durga Puja, Ganesh Chathurthi, and Krishna Jayanthi.  It serves as quick Prasadham Recipe.

    Sundal is a traditional recipe that’s incredibly simple to prepare. This dish features cooked dry beans and lentils, seasoned with a delicate tempering of mustard seeds, urad dhal, curry leaves, dry red chillies, grated coconut, and a pinch of asafoetida. It's a flavourful treat that can be enjoyed as a side dish during lunch, a healthy evening snack, or served as Naivedhyam (offering) during festive occasions. The gentle tempering of spices and the aromatic Sundal Podi make this recipe a must-try.

Why Sundal During Navaratri?

    During Navaratri, Sundal is not just a treat; it holds cultural significance. This dish, often offered as Naivedhyam or Prasadhams in temples, symbolizes purity and devotion. Scientifically, lentils and pulses are high in protein and fibre, making Sundal a healthy choice during fasting. The inclusion of various beans contributes to a balanced diet, providing essential nutrients needed during these festive days.

The Magic of Sundal Podi

    Sundal Podi, a special spice mix, enhances the flavour of your Sundal. This blend simplifies the cooking process, especially when preparing meals for larger gatherings, like during Golu displays or pujas. With the right spices, you can whip up delicious Sundal quickly, allowing you to enjoy the festivities without spending all your time in the kitchen.

The Perfect Sundal Recipe

    This version of Sundal is made with Bengal Gram Dhal, also known as Kadalai Paruppu or Chana Dhal. To prepare it, I typically soak the Kadalai Paruppu/Chana Dhal for 20-30 minutes. After draining the soaking water, I cook the dhal in a pressure cooker until it becomes soft but not mushy. The cooked dhal is then tempered with mild spices and tossed with Sundal Podi and freshly grated coconut.

Check out a full list of Navratri Recipes and for more ideas on Naivedhyam/Prasadham Recipes you can prepare for the festive season.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to make Perfect Kadali Paruppu/Chana Dhal Sundal with Sundal Podi

Delicious Kadali Paruppu Sundal with Sundal Podi

Ingredients

To Soak & Cook

• 1/2 cup of Bengal Gram Dhal/Kadalai Paruppu
• 1 1/2 cups of water

For Tempering

• 2 tablespoons of Oil
• 1 teaspoon of Mustard Seeds
• 2 Dry Red Chillies
• 2 sprigs of Curry Leaves
• A pinch of Asafoetida
• 2–3 teaspoons of Sundal Podi
• 2–3 tablespoons of Grated Coconut

Method:

Soak and Cook Kadalai Paruppu

• Clean, wash, and soak the Kadalai Paruppu for about 20–30 minutes.
• Drain the soaking water and add 1 1/2 cups of water to the dhal.
• Pressure cook on high flame for 2 whistles, then reduce the flame and cook for another whistle. Adjust cooking time as needed.
• Once cooked, drain any excess water from the Bengal Gram Dhal using a colander.

Tempering Kadalai Paruppu Sundal

• Heat oil in a pan.
• Add mustard seeds, dry red chillies, and curry leaves, and let them splutter.
• Stir in the Sundal Podi and a pinch of asafoetida. Mix well.
• Add the grated coconut and sauté for a minute.
• Incorporate the cooked Kadalai Paruppu along with a dash of salt.
• Cook on low flame for a few minutes until all ingredients are well combined.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve hot or at room temperature as a side dish, evening snack, or as Naivedhyam.

Check out for a detailed step-by-step guide on How to cook Bens, Lentils & Pulses, here...

Close-up of Delicious Kadali Paruppu Sundal with Sundal Podi

Notes & Tips for a Perfect Kadalai Paruppu/Chana Dhal Sundal

• Soaking the Dhal: Soaking the dhal significantly reduces cooking time and ensures perfectly moist Chana Dhal.
• Experiment with Beans: Although this recipe features Bengal Gram Dhal, feel free to explore other legumes & beans such as White Chickpea Sundal or Black Chickpeas, Moong Bean, Green Gram, Groundnuts, Green Peas, White Cow Peas, Red Beans, Kidney Beans (rajma), and Kollu (horse gram). The fundamental recipe remains the same, though soaking and cooking times may vary for each type. 
• Cooking Method: While I typically cook the Bengal Gram Dhal in a pressure cooker, you can also prepare it in a saucepan if you prefer a different method.
• No Salt Needed: Remember not to add salt while cooking the Kadalai Paruppu/Bengal Gram Dhal to maintain its natural flavour.
• Versatile Variation: Raw Sundal: And a raw variation of Koshambari, made with soaked Moong dhal, Cucumber etc., is also a popular variation when it comes to Sundal.
  
• *Pro Tip: Simplify with No Sundal Podi: If you prefer a simpler version, you can skip the Sundal Podi and still enjoy a tasty Sundal.

Enjoy the Simplicity and Flavour of Kadalai Paruppu Sundal

    Kadalai Paruppu Sundal is not only a delicious, protein-packed dish but also a versatile addition to your festive table, whether for Navaratri, Durga Puja, or any celebration. The easy preparation, combined with the rich flavour of Sundal Podi, makes this recipe a must-try for those looking for a healthy snack or side dish. Its cultural significance as Naivedhyam and Prasadam during pujas adds to the charm of this beloved South Indian delicacy.

    With its adaptability to various types of lentils and pulses, you can explore endless Sundal variations, making it the perfect dish to impress guests and loved ones. Whether you're a seasoned cook or trying Sundal for the first time, this recipe will become a go-to for your festive and everyday meals.

Explore Festive Recipes like Lemon Rice, Coconut Rice, Tamarind Rice, Pongal, Kesari for a complete Navratri Meal! For more Healthy South Indian Snacks like Vadai, Kunukku suitable for Naivedhyam, click here.

    So, what are you waiting for? Try out this Kadalai Paruppu Sundal recipe and bring the festive flavours into your home today!

Categories: Festive Recipes, Navratri Recipes, Prasadham
Keywords: Kadalai Paruppu Sundal, Sundal Recipe, Navratri Recipes, South Indian Snack, Sundal Podi