சுண்டலோ சுண்டல் ! - A protein rich snack - Sundal!

It is an overcast, somewhat cold day both inside and outside. All I can think of is my home. There was hardly a care in the world. The one place you can gaze at eternity and not be bored is the beach. And that sends vivid imagery of "Sundalo sundal", the sound from small boys/ men with a basket in their hands and with sundal inside. The aroma is very inviting. It is best tasted with a group of people sitting in a circle in the beach and with the cool slightly salty summer breeze gently kissing your hair and neck, with the wafting of a myriad smells including that of fresh jasmine, with the backdrop of the sea waves.

Alright, now to the recipe!

You may use any of a variety of lentils. Best suited are Pattani or dried pea and kondai kadalai. You know how apt this name is for that lentil - it is just as it is described - a brownish red lentil that has a projected top that sits like a bundle of air on top.

Soak the lentil the previous day night. Anytime in late morning or evening, drain the water, clean and pressure cook the lentil. Cool and drain the water.
Take a saucepan and with a little oil, add mustard seeds, jeera, urad dal, green chillies, (onions if you want) and saute. Add the boiled lentils. Add turmeric powder, salt and asafoetida. Top off with finely cut coriander leaves. Just before serving add a few drops of lemon juice.

This is a best cushioning food beween meals or beween lunch and dinner. It is healthy, very little fat and economical. If you drink juice or water with it will sustain you for atleast 1 -11/2 hours.

For dramatic effect, take a piece of newspaper and roll it into a cone; put some sundal in it, close it. Go out to the terrace, or beach or garden and enjoy your "Sundalo Sundal".