Lentils are an essential part of a healthy diet that is consumed in a variety of ways. Talking particularly about India, this food item is a staple in every regional cuisine. From delicious snacks like dal kachori to comforting khichdi, there are various ways to enjoy lentils, and how can we miss the iconic combo dal-chawal? Along with being transformed into various dishes, lentils are also very nutritious.
Pigeon peas, red lentils, black gram, Bengal gram, black gram and green gram are some of the most popular types of lentils consumed in India. Talking particularly about green gram it is widely known as moong dal in India. According to Healthline, green gram is high in several vitamins, minerals, protein, antioxidants, and fibre that improve your overall health.
Here are six delicious recipes you can prepare with green gram:
Pesarattu
Packed with protein, pesarattu is an ideal dish for your breakfast. It is a type of dosa that belongs to the state of Andhra Pradesh. This thin, crispy, and tasty crepe is made with green gram, ginger, rice, chillies, ghee, and a few spices like cumin and asafoetida. This dosa goes well with sambar, chutney, and podi masala.
Green Moong Dal
If you are looking for a simple and comforting green gram dish, then this recipe is the perfect choice. This wholesome delight includes whole moong beans pressure-cooked and tempered with aromatic seasonings like cumin, ginger, coriander seeds, and other spices. It pairs well with both rice and roti. You can also make palak moong dal by adding a few spinach leaves to the recipe.
Green Moong Paratha
This is another breakfast delight you can prepare with green gram. It is a stuffed flatbread that goes well with curd, raita, pickles, or any of your favourite chutneys. Green gram paratha is made with a delicious stuffing that consists of green moong, spices, onion, ginger, and green chillies. This paratha is also diabetic-friendly.
Green Gram Vada
This yummy and crispy dish is perfect for a tea-time snack or a party appetiser. Green gram vada is made with soaked green gram combined with aromatic spices and herbs like cloves, coriander seeds, black pepper, and methi leaves. Traditionally, it is deep-fried in oil, but you can also make a baked version of this recipe. You can enjoy these vadas with tomato ketchup, tea, or any green chutney.
Green Moong Salad
If you are looking for a quick, nutritious, and filling dish to curb your unhealthy cravings, then green moong salad is the perfect option for you. All you need to do is soak a bowl of green gram in advance. It will stay fresh for up to two days when refrigerated. To prepare the salad, combine the moong beans with cucumber, tomatoes, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, and you are good to go.
Moong Sprouts Usal
Also known as mugachi usal, this is a traditional Maharashtrian dish that goes well with pav, bhakri, or rice. This recipe is made with moong sprouts that are steamed and tempered with green chillies, ginger, and coconut. You can serve moong sprouts for breakfast as well as lunch. Its high protein and low-calorie content make the dish perfect for weight loss.