Kondakadalai Sundal Recipe | Black Channa Sundal South Indian Style
Kondakadalai Sundal is a traditional South Indian dish commonly prepared during Navaratri and Ganesh Chaturthi as prasadam. Made using protein-rich black channa (black chickpeas / kala channa), this sundal is a simple stir-fried recipe flavored with Indian spices and coconut.
It can be served as a healthy evening snack, a festival offering, or as a side dish for lemon rice, curd rice, and variety rice. This easy sundal recipe is nutritious, filling, and perfect with tea or coffee.
Black channa is also known as kala channa, black chickpeas, or chole. In North India, chole masala or channa masala is prepared using white or black chickpeas.
Ingredients:
Black channa (kondakadalai) – 1 cup (100 g)
Oil – 2 tbsp
Onion – 1 (finely chopped)
Green chilies – 2 (slit)
Curry leaves – few
Hing (asafoetida) – ¼ tsp
Turmeric powder – ½ tsp
Red chilli powder – ½ tsp
Cumin / jeera powder – ½ tsp
Garam masala – ½ tsp
Salt – as needed
Shredded coconut – 2 tbsp
Method:
- Soak black channa in water overnight. Wash well and pressure cook with 2 cups of water and a little salt for 3–4 whistles. Drain and keep aside.
- Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and allow them to splutter.
- Add urad dal, chopped onions, green chilies, and curry leaves. Sauté until onions turn soft.
- Add hing, turmeric powder, chilli powder, cumin powder, and garam masala. Mix well.
- Add cooked black channa and salt. Stir well and cook for 1 minute until the raw smell of spices disappears.
- Add shredded coconut, mix gently, and switch off the flame.
- Serve hot as prasadam, snack, or side dish.
Tips & Variations
- You can skip onion to make it temple-style sundal.
- Add grated coconut only at the end to retain freshness.
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
- You may temper with mustard seeds and dried red chillies for traditional taste.
Health Benefits of Black Channa
- Rich in plant protein and dietary fiber
- Helps in blood sugar control
- Supports digestive health
- Keeps you full for a longer time
- Good for weight management
FAQ – Kondakadalai Sundal
1. Is black channa sundal healthy?
Yes, it is high in protein, fiber, and iron, making it a healthy snack.
2. Can I make sundal without coconut?
Yes, coconut is optional, but it enhances flavor.
3. How long can I store cooked sundal?
It stays fresh for up to 1 day in the refrigerator.
4. Can I use boiled canned chickpeas?
Yes, rinse well and use, but freshly cooked channa tastes better.
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