Nei Kadalai is roasted chana dal with spicy seasoning that adds more taste and flavor to the snack.But I really don’t know why it is called nei kadalai when not a single drop of ghee(nei) is added to the recipe. Very easy recipe that involves 3 simple steps soaking,drying and frying the dal.Adjust or alter the seasoning as per your preference.It is very important to soak the dal for 3-4 hours and dry them completely for 2 hours to make them more crunchy.Fry them in medium flame and not in low flame for frying them in low flame makes them bit hard.Hope you enjoy this recipe,do try them at home especially for this rainy season ☔.

SOAKING TIME : 4 HOURS

DRYING TIME : 2 HOURS

YIELDS : 2 + 1/4 CUPS

INGREDIENTS

2 cups kadalai paruppu/channa dal

2 sprigs curry leaves

3 cloves garlic

1/4 tsp turmeric powder

3/4 tsp chilli powder

1/2 tsp pepper

10 cashews (broken to small pieces)

A generous pinch of hing

Salt to taste

Oil for frying

METHOD

Soak the dal in water for 3-4 hours ,them drain the water and dry them completely for 2 hours.

Heat oil in a kadai,add the dal and deep fry in medium flame.

Remove them from oil and transfer to kitchen paper to remove excess oil.

Heat 1 tbsp oil in a kadai,add hing,garlic,cashews,curry leaves and roast for 2 mins.Add turmeric powder,chilli powder,salt,pepper and add it to the fried dal .Discard the garlic,add the roasted item to the dal mixture without the oil and mix them well.

Store in a airtight container when it comes to room temperature.