Kosmari - South Indian salad/snack

Kosmari is a refreshing and tasty salad that can also be served as part of a healthy snack. The recipe from  the South of India uses lentils and vegetables together where the lentils provide a texture to the salad with the sweet taste of the  vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers and/or sweet corn which is complimented by a tangy spicy dressing made from lemon juice and fresh chillies. I make this often as a variation to the regular green salad. Usually, Anjalie's favourite for kosmari is carrots so I have used it in today's kosmari for the blog too. But you can mix and match your favourite fresh vegetables and/or fruits. I personally prefer sweet corn and/or pomegranate. You can also use sprouts to make this salad instead of or in addition to the lentils. It is versatile and easy to prepare and very tasty.

You will need.
1/4 cup Moong Dal/ yellow split peas.
1 carrot/cucumber peeled & grated or 1 small can of sweet corn drained.
1 pinch of asafoetida
1 fresh green chilly chopped fine (optional for adults)
salt to taste
1-2 tsp lemon juice



For tempering:
1 tsp oil
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
1/2 tsp urad dal (split black gram)






Soak the yellow lentils for 1/2 hr. If using sprouts, the let the whole moong dal or soya beans sprout over night.

Drain and place into a mixing bowl.

Add grated carrots/cucumber/sweet corn/pomegranate after draining out any excess water.

Add asafoetida, chopped chillies (if using) and season with salt and lemon juice to taste.

In a skillet heat up the oil for tempering, add mustard seeds and allow to splutter, Add the black gram and slowly roast in medium heat until golden and add to the salad.

Mix well and serve chilled.