Moong Dal Chaat Recipe


Moong Dal Chaat Recipe



30 mins
2-3 people
15min




Introduction

 

I remember the first time I tried Moong Dal Chaat—it was a burst of flavors and textures that instantly won me over. The crunch of the fried dal, the tanginess of the chutneys, and the aromatic spices all combined to create an unforgettable snack experience. Chaat, in general, holds a special place in my heart—it's not just a dish, it's a celebration of diverse flavors and culinary creativity.

 

As I delved deeper into the world of chaat, I discovered the versatility of Moong Dal Chaat. It's not just popular in one region, but enjoyed across India in various forms. From the streets of Delhi to the chaat corners of Mumbai, this delightful snack has carved its own niche in the vibrant tapestry of Indian cuisine.

 

 

 

Recipe of Moong Dal Chaat

 

Ingredients:

 

  • 2 cups moong dal, soaked for 2 hours

For Khadi Moong:

  • Turmeric Powder: 1 tsp
  • Salt: to taste
  • 2 onions, chopped
  • 2 green chillies, chopped
  • 1 tomato, chopped
  • 1 tbsp coriander seeds
  • 1 tbsp jeera (cumin seeds)
  • 1 tsp red chilly flakes
  • Oil for deep frying
  • 1 tsp Chaat Masala
  • 1 tsp Amchur Powder
  • 1 tsp Black Salt
  • 1 tbsp Achaar ka tel (pickle oil)
  • 1 tbsp Ghee
  • 1 tsp Red Chilli Powder
  • ¼ tsp Heeng (asafoetida)

For Garnish:

  • Chopped raw mango
  • Khakra
  • Papad
  • Green chutney
  • Tamarind chutney

 

 

Method:

 

  1. Clean, wash, and soak the moong dal for 3 hours.
  2. Boil water in a pan, add salt and turmeric powder.
  3. Add the soaked dal. When the dal is 90% cooked, remove half of it and set aside. Allow the remaining dal to cook until fully mashed.
  4. Let the first batch of dal come to room temperature.
  5. Mix in chopped green chillies, raw mango, coriander leaves, and chopped tomato.
  6. Pound coriander seeds, jeera, and red chilly flakes into a coarse powder.
  7. Mix the pounded masala with achaar ka tel and add it to the dal. Set aside.
  8. Transfer the thick cooked dal to a serving bowl.
  9. Sprinkle heeng, amchoor, red chilly powder, and jeera powder over the dal.
  10. Heat ghee in a pan until smoking hot, then pour it over the dal.
  11. For serving, top the dal with crispy masala dal and add both chutneys on top.
  12. Serve with khakhra shards.

 

Enjoy your flavorful Moong Dal Chaat!

 

 

 

About the Recipe

 

Moong Dal Chaat is a quintessential Indian street food delicacy that tantalizes the taste buds with its explosion of flavors. Made from crispy fried moong dal, tangy chutneys, aromatic spices, and fresh vegetables, this chaat offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack or served as an appetizer at gatherings, Moong Dal Chaat never fails to impress with its irresistible combination of ingredients.

 

 

Cooking Tips

 

  • Ensure that the moong dal is fried until crispy to achieve the perfect texture.
  • Be mindful not to over-boil the dal; it should have a slight bite to it.
  • Adjust the spice levels according to your preference by controlling the amount of green chili used.
  • Use fresh and quality ingredients for the chutneys to enhance the overall flavor of the chaat.

 

 

Pairing Guide

 

Moong Dal Chaat pairs wonderfully with a variety of beverages, such as:

  • Masala Chai
  • Fresh Lime Soda
  • Buttermilk
  • Mango Lassi
  • Mint Cooler

 

Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite pairing and elevate your chaat experience.

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Moong Dal Chaat

 

  1. Is Moong Dal Chaat spicy?

    • The spice level can be adjusted according to personal preference. You can increase or decrease the amount of green chili used to control the spice level.

  2. Can I make Moong Dal Chaat ahead of time?

    • Yes, you can prepare the components of Moong Dal Chaat in advance and assemble it just before serving to maintain the crispiness of the dal.

  3. What are the essential ingredients for Moong Dal Chaat?

    • The key ingredients include fried moong dal, tamarind chutney, green chutney, chopped vegetables like onions and tomatoes, spices, and garnishes.

  4. Can I use store-bought moong dal namkeen for this recipe?

    • While store-bought moong dal namkeen can be used as a shortcut, frying the dal at home ensures freshness and optimal flavor.

  5. How long does it take to fry the moong dal?

    • It typically takes 5-7 minutes to fry the moong dal until crispy and golden brown.

  6. Can I make Moong Dal Chaat without frying the dal?

    • While frying the dal adds a crispy texture to the chaat, you can also use roasted moong dal for a healthier alternative.

  7. Is Moong Dal Chaat suitable for vegetarians?

    • Yes, Moong Dal Chaat is a vegetarian dish as it does not contain any meat or animal products.

  8. What are the variations of Moong Dal Chaat?

    • Some popular variations include adding yogurt to create Dahi Moong Dal Chaat or topping it with sev for extra crunch.

  9. Can I customize the toppings in Moong Dal Chaat?

    • Absolutely! You can customize the toppings according to your taste preferences by adding ingredients like grated carrots, pomegranate seeds, or sprouts.

  10. Is Moong Dal Chaat gluten-free?

    • Yes, Moong Dal Chaat is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any wheat or gluten-based ingredients. However, always double-check the ingredients of store-bought chutneys for any hidden gluten sources.

 

Enjoy preparing and savoring this delightful Moong Dal Chaat recipe!