Green Gram Sprouts Sundal / Sprouted Green Gram Sundal / Sprouted Green Gram Salad / Pachai Payaru Sundal

Read in magazines that "Sprouts are Super Foods and called as the Powerhouse of Nutrients". In modern life, we run around aisles in departmental stores looking for healthy and organic super food but failing to eat the natural home made sprouts. Sprouts are considered to be the cheapest source of nutrients which has good amount of protein, fiber and vitamins. We can make sprouts out of grains ( wheat for ex ), legumes and seeds. Sprouted seeds of alfalfa, mustard and sesame are used while making healthy salads and sandwiches. Out of that, alfalfa sprouts are considered to be the "father of sprouts". I love to put bunches of alfalfa sprouts or some spicy mustard sprouts into my sandwich all the time. Addition of sprouts into the sandwich always enhances the taste to a greater extent, i feel.

Sprouting Process :

Soak the grains / legumes overnight for 6-7 hours. Drain the water completely and cover the soaked legumes or seeds with a dry muslin cloth. Time span for soaking depends on the size of the seeds / legumes. Generally it takes 2-3 days for the seeds to germinate and become sprouts. Over soaking may harm the seeds to rot and ferment so the seeds should be soaked only for a limited period. After they sprout, store them in the refrigerator till you actually consume them.

Ingredients

Green Gram Dal / Pachai Payaru - 2 Cups

Oil - 2 tsp

Hing / Asafoetida - 1 Dash

Mustard Seeds - 2 tsp

Jeera / Cumin Seeds - 1 tsp

Green Chili - 2 Medium ( slit them into halves, I used green chili paste instead. )

or Green Chili paste - 2 tsp

Salt - As required

Fresh coconut flakes - 1 tbsp

Coriander Leaves - To Garnish

Curry Leaves - 5 or 6

Method

• Make the Green Gram Sprouts by following the process as mentioned above.
• In a cooking pan, add oil first. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, green chili paste, curry leaves to the oil.
• When they sputter, add the drained sprouted green gram into the pan. 
• Sprinkle some water into the pan and cover the lid. Allow them to get cooked with the steam inside for 3-4 minutes on medium heat.
• When they get cooked to desired level, add required amount of salt into the pan and stir them well. Do not overcook the sprouted green gram as the nutrients might be washed away. 
• Fry them for another 1-2 minutes. Switch off the flame and finally add the fresh coconut flakes and coriander leaves to the pan.
• Enjoy this healthy sundal / curry as a snack or as a healthy accompaniment in your regular meal.