Moong dal chaat is a simple lentil salad-style snack or meal made with moong dal(split skinned green mung bean). It’s very refreshing and not too heavy. Perfect for the hot summer days! Glutenfree Soyfree Nutfree

Recipe Snapshot

  • Prep time: 15 minutes
  • Cook time: 15 minutes
  • Total time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4
  • Category: Main, Salad, Snack
  • Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients

For the moong dal:

  • 3/4 cup petite yellow lentils/ moong dal, ((split and skinned green moong beans), washed and soaked for at least an hour)
  • 1 teaspoon oil ((omit for Oilfree and dry toast the lentils))
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (or Indian red chili powder)
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup water

For the toppings:

  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  • 1 green chili such as serrano (minced, or use 2 tablespoons bell pepper)
  • 1/2 inch ginger (minced)
  • 1/4 cup or more grated carrot
  • 1 tomato (chopped small)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons chopped mint, (optional)
  • 1/4 cup or more chopped apple (or pomegranate or other crunchy fruit)
  • 1/2 teaspoon chaat masala (or use 1/4 teaspoon Indian sulfur salt (kala namak))
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (preferably lightly toasted)
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons or more lime juice

Method

  1. Cook the lentils. Wash and soak the moong dal if you haven’t already. Soak in hot water for at least 15 minutes if you are in a hurry. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the oil. Once the oil is hot add the drained moong dal and cook for 2-3 minutes. Then add the spices and water and mix in. Cover and cook for 6-8 minutes or until all the water has been absorbed and the dal is cooked.
  3. Switch off the heat. Transfer the cooked dal to a bowl and fluff. Prepare your toppings if you haven’t already, then add all the chopped veggies to the bowl and toss well. Then add the spices and lime juice and toss again. Taste and adjust salt and flavor. Add more chopped crunchy veggies or fruits and more lime juice if needed and serve.
  4. Store:

Kiyaan Singh’s Kitchen Note

Keep this recipe as a working base: cook once as written, then adjust spice, texture, and serving style for your own table.