Chickpeas Snack/ Sundal

A healthy protein rich snack. It is common in households during festival season in South India. Since it is easy to prepare, it is not limited to festival seasons alone. If you visit beaches in Tamil Nadu, you will find people selling Sundal. A weekend at the beach, watching the waves, feeling the salty wind gushing to your face and snacking on this simple Sundal is a heavenly experience! Miss India :( Let me move on to the dish before I get all nostalgic!
Ingredients

• Chickpeas - 200 gms
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Oil - 1 tsp
• Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
• Urad dal - 1 tsp
• Curry leaves - 1 sprig
• Red chilies - 2
• Grated coconut - 1 tsp (optional)
• Onion - 1/2 finely chopped (optional)

Preparation

Soak the chickpeas overnight or at least for 4-5 hours.

Take the soaked chickpeas in a pressure cooker, add 1/4th tsp of salt and cook it for 10 minutes. Once the whistle starts, lower the flame to medium.

Take a deep frying pan, pour oil when hot add mustard seeds; when it splutters add urad dal, red chilies, curry leaves and fry for few seconds. If you are using onion you can add it at this stage. fry until translucent. Now add the cooked chickpeas and mix well. Take care not to mash it. Just mix well. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Check for salt.

Garnish with the grated coconut. This is optional but it sure gives a little flavour.

Serve hot with tea as a evening snack!

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