Our childhood favourite - salted moong dal - with a twist :)

My husband had just returned from work when I was half way into preparing this and he asked, "Can we actually make 'moong dal' snack at home???" And if you are wondering the same, Yes! you definitely can!!

2 cups of split moong dal (soaked for about 2-3 hours and drained)

1 tbsp oil

2 tsp saunf/ fennel seeds - crushed roughly

Chaat masala/ Bhel puri masala - to taste

Salt - to taste

Red chilli powder to taste

1 cup dessicated coconut

Maintain medium heat for the entire process. In a non-stick pan heat oil and fry the fennel seeds till they change colour slightly. Add the soaked and drained moong dal into the pan and fry them till they become crisp and lose most of the water. Keep mixing the dal at regular intervals. Yes this process needs a little patience but its worth the effort when you know you will eat something fresh and homemade and also alter the taste to suit your needs.

How will you know that the moong dal is done? When mixing it in the pan you will notice the sound of the dal against the pan has changed. It will sound like stones against metal. Also the colour of the dal will change from dark yellow to light. This process will take around 20 minutes. Now add the dessicated coconut, salt, and masalas. Mix for a minute and turn of the heat. Ready to munch munch munch...