Soak the moong dal for at least one hour
Discard the water and rinse well
Combine all the ingredients: Cucumber, lentils, carrot, green chillies, coconut and chopped cilantro
Add lemon juice and 1 tsp salt and stir.
In a small pan, add 1tbsp oil and 1-2 tsp mustard seeds
When mustard seeds start to sputter, add asafoetida and curry leaves if you have them.
Stir for just a few minutes and add this to the salad.
Mix well and adjust seasoning: add lemon or salt to taste
Serve alongside a balanced South Indian meal!