Recipe: Split Bengal Gram and Bottle Gourd

Chana Dal and Lawki

To make:  6 Portions.

Ingredients:

1.  1 cup split bengal gram

2.  1 tsp salt

3.  ¼ tsp tumeric powder

4.  3 cups water

5.  1 cup bottle gourd, washed, peeled and cubed

6.  3 tbsp clarified butter

7.  1 tsp mustard seeds

8.  2 medium onions, finely chopped

9.  ½ tsp asafoetida

10.  2 tsp minced ginger

11.  8 garlic cloves, minced

12.  6-8 curry leaves

13.  1 tsp red chilli powder

14.  2 tbsp finely chopped coriander leaves

Method:

1.  Pick, wash and soak split bengal gram in sufficient water for about 2 hours.  Drain.

2.  Place bengal gram, ½ tsp salt, tumeric powder and 2 cups water in a pressure cooker.  Cook under pressure for 6 to 8 minutes.  Allow the pressure to fall on its own before opening the cooker.  Remove.

3.  Heat 1 tsp clarified butter in a frying pan and add bottle gourd to it.  Stir and fry for few minutes till tender.

4.  Heat 2 tsp clarified butter in a sauce pan and add mustard seeds.  When they splutter add onions and fry till light brown in colour

5.  Add asafoetida, ginger, garlic, curry leaves and red chilli powder.  Stir and fry for few minutes.

6.  Add bengal gram and bottle gourd.   Mix well and cook for few minutes

7.  Add ½ tsp salt, 1 cup water and stir.  Cook till specks appear on the surface.

8.  Add coriander leaves, stir and cook covered for 5 minutes on reduced heat.

9.  Remove in a serving bowl and serve hot with rice or chapati.