Moong Dal Chile

This is the first time that I am participating in the Weekend Breakfast Blogging event started by Nandita of Saffron Trail fame. This month's WBB is hosted by Trupti of The Spice Who Loved Me and her theme is: Spice It Up!

Weekend breakfast is a festive event. Normally, during the week, my husband and me survive on cereal for breakfast, but weekends I like to have something different. Then again, how many times can one make the traditional 'Upma' and 'Pohe'. I know, I know, I can be really difficult at times...and I am sure my husband will agree on this ;) So 'moong dal chile' is one recipe that takes no time at all to make, is healthy because it does not involve even a drop of oil, and tasty at the same time; as everyone is aware, moong dal itself is easy to digest, so you don't have to feel guilty of having one extra... You can easily increase the quantity of the batter depending on the number of people. I have picked up this recipe from my mom, who I think got it from one of her North Indian friends. Enjoy!

Ingredients:(makes about 8-10 Chile)
Moong dal (split yellow or whole green) 1 cup
Water about 1/2 cup
Grated ginger or paste 1 tsp
Green chilli paste 1 tsp (adjust according to how hot the chillies are)
Chopped Cilantro
Salt

Method:
Soak the moong dal in water for 30 minutes. You can use either the split yellow dal or the whole green ones for this. I have used the yellow dal this time. While the dal is soaking, make the ginger-chilli paste, have some tea, check your mails or just laze around...:) Once the dal has been soaked in water, grind it into a fine batter along with some water. Add the ginger-chilli paste, chopped cilantro and salt. Taste the batter and adjust for seasoning. The consistency of the batter should be like that as of a dosa.
Now heat a nonstick tawa. Once the tawa is hot, spread the batter just as you would when making a dosa. There is no need to put any oil on this. Once done the moong dal chile will start coming off from the side. Flip it and cook on the other side. Serve hot with a dollop of plain unsalted butter. For those who do not want to ruin this healthy, non-greasy breakfast, just enjoy the chile with some ketchup or chutney of your choice (green chutney or regular idly chutney would also go well with this). This can easily be served as brunch or a snack when you have unexpected guests.