Call it the lunch packing blues or anything to that effect , I am constantly mired by what to wrap for my daughter’s lunch. It has to be tasty, simple, healthy and not repetitive and also it has to appeal visually.To beat the packing woes, I plan well in advance the menu for the week and that helps immensely. For instance, this dish fits all the parameters and can be sure to get a rocking 

I am sure anybody who has been/visited South India and especially the temple town of Kumbakonam will not have missed the flavourful dish called as Kadappa. Veggies & lentils sizzle in onions & tomatoes and are merrily spiced up with fennel, coriander seeds and coconut. Carrots & beans can also be part of this dish and it is a perfect partner-in-crime for tiffins like dosa & idlis. Rice & chapatis also were great with this versatile dish. I call it versatile because it can be played around to suit your palate. Make it with or without tomatoes, Add a dash of lemon juice instead of tomatoes or spice it the way your taste buds clamour for, the dish gets a happy reception. The protein packed mung and the goodness of potatoes meant that my daughter was mighty happy with her lunch of kadappa & idlis. 

What’s in it :-
For the gravy :-

• Mung Dal/ Dehusked mung bean/ Paasi paruppu – 1 cup – cooked & roughly mashed
• Potatoes – 2 – boiled,peeled & mashed
• Onion – 1 large -sliced
• Green Chillis – 3 to 4 – to taste – halved & slit in the middle 
• Garlic – 2 to 3 pods – chopped
• Turmeric Powder – a pinch or two – optional
• Curry Leaves – a few
• Salt – to taste
• Water – as required

• Roasted Bengal Gram /Fried Chana /Pottu kadalai – 1 tbsp
• Fennel Seeds – 1 tbsp
• Coriander Seeds – 1 tsp
• Tomato – 1 (small) 
• Grated Coconut – 1/4 cup

For tempering :-

• Oil – 1 tbsp
• Whole spices like Bay leaf , Cinnamon , Clove , Cardamom – to taste
• Mustard seeds – 1 tsp

For Garnish:-

• Coriander Leaves – few sprigs – finely chopped

How :-