Nei Kadalai/ Fried Channa Dal/ Channa Dal Namkeen- A Protein Rich Snack

                             Crispy snack with tea will heal all our wounds. And if it a rainy season, it will be a tasty bonanza for us. We are back again with a protein rich, crispy, crunchy snack recipe Fried Channa Dal.

     This is a healthy protein rich snack for kids. When making for kids, chilly powder can be substituted for pepper powder.

Cooking Time: 20 minutesPreparation Time: 20-30 minutes
Ingredients:
1 cup Channa Dal 1/2 tbsp Chilly Powder1 tsp Turmeric Powder2 springs Curry Leaves4-5 cloves GarlicSalt as per tasteOil for fryingProcedure:1) Soak the Channa Dal for 4-5 hours in water.2) After soaking, drain the excess water.
3) Completely dry it a clean, dry cloth.4) After 20-30 minutes, you can check if the channa dal is dry.Which again depends on the humidity of your place. If it is dry, it will not stick to each other. 
5) Now collect the channa dal, and it is ready to be fried.
6) In a kadai (frying pan), pour the oil for frying (I usually use Groundnut oil only).Once the oil is hot, you can add the dal in small batches to the oil and start frying.7) While frying kindly note the following:

• Once you drop the dal into oil, it will sink down immediately.
• After the dal is completely fried/cooked in oil, the dal will start floating on the surface of the oil.

8) After frying, add turmeric powder, chilly powder and salt to the fried dal and mix it thoroughly such that all the powders are evenly coated.9) Finally add the garlic and curry leaves for exotic flavor to your recipe.                   Notes:

• Soaking the channa dal gives more crispiness and the quantity also will increase.
• You can extra add powders of your choice like tandoori powder, pizza seasoning, etc so that the kids will enjoy eating.
• But the authentic recipe holds only the basic powders mentioned.
• You can also avoid garlic. if you are looking for satvik recipes.
• If need powdered hing can be added, which helps in aiding digestion.

                          Now the Protein rich crunchy, munchy snack is ready. This simple yet exotic dish will be a perfect tea partner.