Green Moong Sprouts Recipe – Indian Salad with Chat Masala & Lemon

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Green Moong Sprouts Recipe – Indian Salad With Chat Masala & Lemon

Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a super refreshing, healthy, and flavourful snack or side dish, you have to try this Green Moong Sprouts Salad. It’s a staple in my house, especially during warmer months, and honestly, it’s just so good! I first made this when I was trying to incorporate more healthy snacks into my routine, and it quickly became a family favourite. It’s quick, easy, and packed with goodness. Let’s get into it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average salad. The combination of crunchy sprouts, fresh veggies, and a zingy spice blend is just chef’s kiss. It’s light yet satisfying, perfect for a quick lunch, a side with your meals, or even a healthy evening snack. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can easily adjust the spice levels to your liking.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious salad:

• ¼ cup green moong sprouts
• 2 tablespoons cucumber, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon tomato, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons carrot, grated
• 2 tablespoons capsicum (bell pepper), finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon pepper powder
• ½ teaspoon red chilli powder
• ½ teaspoon roasted cumin powder
• ¼ teaspoon chat masala powder
• 1 tablespoon coriander leaves, chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste

Ingredient Notes

A few little tips from my kitchen to yours!

• Green Moong Sprouts: You can easily sprout these at home (more on that later!), or you can find them at most Indian grocery stores.
• Cucumber: I prefer using English cucumbers as they have fewer seeds.
• Capsicum: Feel free to use any colour capsicum you like – red, yellow, or green all work beautifully.
• Chat Masala: This is the star spice! It adds a lovely tangy and savoury flavour. You can find it in any Indian grocery store or online.
• Roasted Cumin Powder: Roasting the cumin seeds before grinding them really enhances their flavour. You can buy it pre-roasted or do it yourself.

Green Moong Sprouts: Benefits & Selection

Green moong sprouts are nutritional powerhouses! They’re packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They’re fantastic for digestion and overall health. When selecting sprouts, look for ones that are firm, crisp, and have a fresh smell. Avoid any that look slimy or have an off-putting odour.

The Spice Blend: Understanding Chat Masala & Roasted Cumin

The magic of this salad really lies in the spice blend. Chat masala is a complex mix of spices that gives it that signature tangy, spicy, and savoury flavour. Roasted cumin powder adds a warm, earthy note that complements the other spices perfectly. Don’t skimp on these – they really make the salad sing!

Regional Variations in Sprouts Salads

Sprouts salads are incredibly popular across India, and each region has its own unique twist. Some variations include adding chopped onions, green chillies, or even a sprinkle of sev (crispy chickpea noodles) for extra crunch. In Maharashtra, you’ll often find sprouts salads with a generous squeeze of lime and a touch of grated coconut.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First things first, if you’re using homemade sprouts, make sure they’re well-drained.
2. Now, in a mixing bowl, gently combine the green moong sprouts, chopped cucumber, tomato, grated carrot, and chopped capsicum.
3. Next, sprinkle in the pepper powder, red chilli powder, roasted cumin powder, and chat masala powder.
4. Add the chopped coriander leaves and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
5. Finally, season with salt to taste.
6. Gently mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep the sprouts crunchy.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Here are a few tips to help you make the perfect salad:

• Achieving the Perfect Sprout Texture: Don’t over-sprout the moong beans. You want them to be firm and crunchy, not mushy.
• Balancing the Spice Levels: Start with a smaller amount of red chilli powder and adjust to your preference. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Variations

Let’s get creative!

• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is naturally vegan!
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: This recipe is naturally gluten-free!
• Spice Level Adjustment: For a milder salad, reduce or omit the red chilli powder. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Festival Adaptation (Navratri/Fasting Friendly): During Navratri or other fasting periods, you can omit the red chilli powder and use rock salt (sendha namak) instead of regular salt.
• My Family’s Favourite: My kids love it when I add a little bit of finely chopped apple for a touch of sweetness!

Serving Suggestions

This salad is incredibly versatile. You can serve it:

• As a light lunch on its own.
• As a side dish with your favourite Indian meals like dal and rice.
• As a healthy snack between meals.
• Wrapped in a roti or paratha for a quick and easy meal.

Storage Instructions

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the sprouts will lose their crunch over time. However, if you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

How long can I store sprouted moong beans?

Sprouted moong beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

What is the best way to sprout moong beans at home?

Soak the moong beans in water for 8 hours or overnight. Rinse and drain thoroughly. Transfer to a hot box, spread evenly, cover, and let sprout for 8-10 hours.

Can I use other types of sprouts in this salad?

Absolutely! You can use other sprouts like chana sprouts (chickpea sprouts) or moth sprouts.

Is it necessary to blanch the sprouts before making the salad?

Blanching is optional. It can help to make the sprouts a little more tender, but it’s not essential. I usually skip it to keep the sprouts extra crunchy.

How can I adjust the tanginess of the salad?

Simply add more or less lemon juice to adjust the tanginess to your liking.