Friday, October 2, 2009

Moong dal Kosumbari(Cucumber and mung dal salad)

Cucumber and mung dal kosumbari
"Kosumbari" is the term for salad in the Kannada language(called 'koshimbir' in Marathi). Kosumbari/koshimbir is one of the easiest salads and it always reminds me of the traditional foods made during festivals and weddings. A kosumbari is different from the rest of the salads as it incorporates soaked split yellow mung beans and a tempering which adds a nice flavor and aroma.
Ingredients for the kosumbari/koshimbir:
  • Cucumber: 1 cup (finely chopped)
  • Mung dal: 1/4th cup (washed and soaked for at least an hour)
  • Green chillies: 1 slit lengthwise (optional)
  • Coconut: 2-3 tsp (freshly grated/frozen)
  • Cilantro/coriander leaves: 2 tsp (finely chopped for garnish)
  • Lime juice: 1-2 tsp
  • Salt: to taste
For the tempering (optional):
  • Mustard seeds: 1/2 tsp
  • Cumin: 1/2 tsp
  • Urad dal (split black matpe beans): 1 tsp
  • Curry leaves: 2-3 nos.
  • Oil: 1tsp
Method:
  1. Mix all the ingredients together.
  2. Heat the oil in a non-stick pan, add the mustard seeds,cumin seeds and the urad dal.
  3. When the mustard starts to sputter,add the curry leaves.
  4. Pour the tempering over the cucumber and mung dal kosumbari/ koshimbir(salad) and mix well.
You could also try adding some grated carrots and grated raw mango to the cucumber and mung dal kosumbari/ koshimbir to give it some colour and make it tangy.

Question: What dish reminds you of a festive spread?

17 comments:

KennyT said...

Mung bean is one of my favourite, yum!

Jenn said...

Yum. Sounds like a nice combination. Definitely perfect for festivities. For me, usually classics like macaroni or potato salads call for a festive time.

chow and chatter said...

looks lovely Sweta and easy to make so did you crack open a fresh coconut!

Gina; The Candid RD said...

yum.. Sounds great! I need to try soe mung bean!

Unknown said...

What a lovely refreshing salad. I have only known mung cooked or sprouted: this is right in the middle!

Angie's Recipes said...

A very refreshing and delicious combination!

Angie's Recipes

chef and her kitchen said...

one of my fav salad..simple n refreshing one..

Sarah Naveen said...

refreshing and yummy salad!!!

Home Cooked Oriya Food said...

delicious and healthy too!

Christo Gonzales said...

mung is a favorite of mine

Astra Libris said...

Such a beautiful, refreshing salad! I do love cucumber salads, and the complex flavors in yours sound incredible!

For me, pasta salads always remind me of the big festive family picnics my mother would host when I was a kid... :-)

Anonymous said...

lovely salad with mung & cucumber, delicious!

Juliana said...

Yummie, this cucumber salad looks so refreshing...never had with mung bean, have to give a try :-)

Michelle @ Find Your Balance said...

A festive spread in my family includes stuffed baked clams and cannolis! Yours is a lot more healthy.

Sushma Mallya said...

A healthy salad but def yummy...i just love this salad...

Anonymous said...

I used to hate this, but offlate, I think I like it. Thanks for the recipe

Unknown said...

I want this :)