Chilla To Chaat: 6 Moong Dal Recipes That Are A Must-Try
Image Credit: Moong Dal | Image Credit: Freepik.com

Legumes are one of the most important ingredients in the Indian kitchen. A bowl of dal or a sprout salad is consumed at least for one meal in Indian households. The most common dal that is readily found in the Indian kitchen is moong dal. 

Known for its versatility, taste, and nutrient value, moong dal is the preferred choice not only for everyday cooking but also to make sweet festive delights like moong dal payasam and halwa. According to the U.S. Department Of Agriculture, moong dal is loaded with protein, dietary fibres, carbohydrates, and other nutrients. They are also rich in antioxidants and have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antihypertensive properties. It is believed that moong dal is good for maintaining heart health and preventing the absorption of toxic substances in the body.    

If you’re bored of consuming regular dal made of moong, here are a variety of recipes that can be made with it:   

  • Moong Dal Chaat  

If you have moong dal at your home and wonder what tiffin to have in the evening, this moong dal chaat is here to win your day. To make this chaat, all you need is chopped onions, tomatoes, and green chillies which are tossed in seasoning of chaat masala, tamarind chutney, and lemon juice along with the main ingredient which is, cooked moong dal. To add extra crunch, garnish with sev and coriander leaves. Some people also add boiled potatoes or crispy papad to it.   

  • Moong Dal Chilla   

Chilla is a savoury pancake made with ingredients like dal, oats, wheat flour, etc. Here, the soaked moong dal is blended with water along with spices like cumin, turmeric, chillies, and ginger and made into a smooth batter. The batter has a thick consistency. With the help of a ladle, it is then spread around a hot griddle and cooked until golden brown. It is crispy on the exterior and soft on the interior. The pancake is a breakfast staple and best pairs with chutneys, pickle and yoghurt.   

  • Moong Dal Paratha  

Moong dal paratha is healthy, filling and nutritious. The wheat flour dough used for making paratha is stuffed with a cooked moong dal mixture that is seasoned with salt, cumin, coriander, and garam masala powder. The dough is then rolled into a thin disc and cooked on a tawa with a dash of ghee. It is often served with yoghurt or pickles. Moong dal parathas make for a great breakfast option or lunch box dish for schoolchildren or office-going adults, as they are easy to pack, carry or eat on-the-go. 

  • Moong Dal Pakoras  

Moong dal pakoras are the perfect snacks to munch on in the evenings during teatime. The hot and crispy moong dal pakora is made by making a paste of moong dal to which ginger, chillies, salt, and other Indian spices are added. They are left to rest for a while and then deep-fried into bite-sized pakoras. While they taste yummy on their own, they can be paired with mint-coriander chutney or even coconut chutney.   

  • Moong Dal Khichdi   

Well, this is a one-pot recipe that can be made with minimal time and very little preparation. On a wintry day, a summer afternoon or on days when you are feeling under the weather and crave comfort food, the hearty khichdi might be the go-to dish. The moong dal khichdi is a dish that is light on the palate and easy to digest too. This recipe combines rice and moong dal, along with an array of vegetables like carrots, peas, cauliflower, beans, etc. To make it tasty, add a tempering made from ghee and Indian spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala and cook them together. Serve this dish with pickles or yoghurt.   

  • Moong Dal Halwa  

Moong dal halwa is one the easiest desserts recipes that is often eaten in Indian households. Made with few ingredients, this halwa tastes delicious and is loved by people of all age groups. To prepare this rich and indulgent halwa, first the moong dal is grinded with the help of a blender and then shallow fried in ghee till the smell arises. It is then simmered in milk, and sugar. You can also use jaggery instead of sugar. For the extra crunch and flavour, garnish with almonds and pistachios.