मोकळं तिखट | Mokala Tikhat |Chanda Dal Upma

This is another Authentic and Traditional food item. "Mokala" means free(Here indicating that each grain is separate and dry ). "Tikhat" acutally means bitterness of Chilly,but sometimes, Chutneys are reffered as "Tikhat" in Marathi language as they spicy. It is actually dry chutney,we can say made from Chana dal. It is also called "Vatli Dal/Daal" (वटली डाळ) where "Vatli" means "Ground" and "Daal" means lentil

This makes a healthy,easy and tasty snack.Less ingredients but yet loved by everyone.This is specially made during festivities as "Prasad"(Offering to God).Especially in "Ganapati Festival".

INGREDIENTS:

1. Harbhara Dal/Chana Dal - 1 Cup (soaked for 4 to 5 hours)
   
2. Oil - 4 Tbsp
3. Mustard Seeds and Cumin Seeds - 1 Tsp each
4. Asafoetida (Hing) - 1/2 Tsp
5. Turmaric Powder - 1 Tsp
6. Red Chilly Powder - 1 Tbsp
7. Salt for Taste
8. Fresh Grated or Dry grated Coconut - 1/4 Cup
9. Cilantro/Coriander - 1/4 Cup (Finely chopped)

STEPS :

• Take out water from soaked Chana Dal.
• Grind it to Coarse paste add little water.
  
• In a Pan, Add oil.Once oil is hot, add Mustard seeds,Cumin Seeds, Hing,Turmeric Powder,Salt and let everything fry well(Make sure it does not burn).
• Now, bring heat to low and transfer the Chana Dal Paste.It starts sticking to pan if heat is not lowered.
• Start mixing it with Tadka.Once, mixed weel,bring the flame to medium flame.
• Its not finished here.Actual cooking begins now.
  
• Keep on stirring,mixing constantly the paste until it becomes dry and completely cooked.Make sure that it does not remain uncooked.Needs patience here as you have to keep it stirring and smashing all the time.
• If you feel that its getting too dry but still uncooked, sprinkle water and close the lid.Repeat as needed.
• Once cooked, let it cool down a little.Squeeze lime juice.Garnish with Coconut and Cilantro and serve.
  

TIPS: 

• You can add Green chilies instead of Red Chilly powder.
• You can add Onions if you like.
• Tastes good with Yogurt/Curd when o down completely