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Moong Dal, Coconut, and Cucumber Salad – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

Moong Dal, Coconut, and Cucumber Salad

Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 132

Ingredients
  

  • 0.5 cup (3.9 oz / 110g) split moong dal, without skins
  • 1.5 cups (12.2 fl oz / 360ml) water
  • 0.5 cup (1.6 oz / 45g) grated or finely shredded fresh coconut (or 2.6 oz / 75g grated frozen coconut, defrosted)
  • 0.25 cup (2.1 oz / 60g) thinly sliced seeded cucumber or diced mango
  • 1.0 - 2.0 hot green chilies, sliced crosswise into thin rounds
  • 1.0 tbsp (0.5 fl oz / 15ml) fresh lime juice
  • 0.5 1.0 tsp (0.1 oz / 2g 5g) herb or sea salt
  • 2.0 tbsp (1.0 oz / 30ml) ghee or coconut oil
  • 1.0 tsp (0.1 oz / 5g) black mustard seeds
  • 0.25 tsp (0.03 oz / 1g) yellow asafetida powder (hing)
  • Sort, wash, and soak the dal in the water for 4 hours or overnight, then wash and drain the lentils completely in a fine strainer.
  • Master the tempering (tadka): Have your asafetida ready next to the stove. Mustard seeds can burn quickly once they start sputtering; pulling the pan off the heat before adding the asafetida ensures a fragrant, bitter-free oil.
  • Embrace seasonal variations: Swap the cucumber for firm, unripe green mango during the spring and summer. The tartness of the raw mango elevates this dish to the classic Vada Pappu style.

Method
 

  1. Combine the soaked dal, grated coconut, sliced cucumber (or mango), green chilies, fresh lime juice, and sea salt in a mixing bowl, tossing thoroughly to mix.
  2. Heat the ghee or coconut oil in a small pan over moderate heat, add the black mustard seeds, and fry until they sputter and turn gray.
  3. Remove the pan from the heat, instantly sprinkle in the yellow asafetida powder, and within seconds pour the hot seasoning directly into the salad.
  4. Toss the salad gently to distribute the tempered spices evenly and serve it at room temperature, or chill it slightly before enjoying.
  5. Do not rush the soak: Because the lentils in Moong Nariyal Kachamber are consumed raw, they must be soaked for the full 4 hours (or overnight) to become properly tender and digestible.
  6. Drain completely: Ensure the dal is thoroughly drained before mixing. Excess water will dilute the lime juice and salt, making the final dish soggy rather than fresh and crisp.

Nutrition

Calories: 132kcalCarbohydrates: 12.5gProtein: 4.6gFat: 7.3g

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