Thogari Masala Nuchina Unde | Steamed Lentil Snack - step by step pictures

Nuchina Unde or Nuchinunde is a healthy snack from Karnataka. Thogari in Kannada means Toor Dal. It is a protein packed and steamed food  which is often served with Coconut Chutney. It makes for a sumptuous evening snack and we often skip dinner after this. Its very easy to make with a combination of Toor Dal and Channa Dal (split pigeon pea and split bengal gram respectively). I choose to make it with the former as its light on the tummy. This snack is generally shaped into oblong dumplingsand steamed, but at home we prefer to make it as a flat cake so that the steaming process is uniform and also easy to serve. Dont scrimp on the ghee before serving - that addition takes it to sublime high levels when eaten hot :-)

Addition of onions and fennel , as done here is purely optional. It tastes just as yummy without these too. Do give it a try and let me know how you liked it. The step by step pics are also given here for easy reference. Sending this to Day 2 of "cooking with Toor Dal" under Snacks / Savoury theme for Blogging Marathon 26. Check out my fellow marathoners here. Linking this to Blogging Marathon and also to PJ who is hosting Susan's MLLA # 57. Also to Priya's Healthy Me- Healthy Us event

Prep time : 15 mins + 2 hours soaking time | Steaming time : 12 - 15 mins (depending on quantity)

Makes : 20 - 25 medium sized pieces.

Spice level : Medium

Difficulty level : Easy

Serving suggestions : Any chutney / Tomato Ketchup

Ingredients:

Toor Dal / Split Pigeon Pea - 2 cups

Red chillies - 4 to 5 (adjust spice)

Turmeric - 1/2 TBSP

Salt - to taste

Ghee / clarified butter - 2 TBSP

Onions - 1 medium (chopped)

Fennel / Saunf seeds - 1 tsp

Grated ginger - 1 TBSP

Green chillies - 1 to 2 (optional)

Fresh Grated coconut  - 1/4 cup

Chopped coriander and curry leaves - 2 handfuls

Method:

Wash and soak the lentils for 2 hours. Soak the red chillies also along with the lentils

Drain and grind to a coarse paste adding all ingredients except salt, onions, ghee and coriander-curry leaves. Use little or no water at all. 

Transfer to a large bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.

Grease a steamer plate and flatten out a cake like patty.

Cover and steam for 12- 15 mins till a fork or toothpick comes out clean. Dont over steam else it will turn rubbery.

Cool for 5 mins. Cut into required shapes

Top with ghee and serve immediately with chutney or ketchup.