Lauki Chana Dal / Bottle Gourd Dal Curry

This hearty curry is in my regular menus most, and has been a family favorite for quite a long time. Very easy to make and not complicated at all and with the addition of bottle gourd it adds an unusual dimension to this  dense, fresh and robustly spiced curry.I especially love how the flavor of the bottle gourd,infuses the dish and I could not resist pairing this with the lentils.This can be served with flat breads or steamed rice or thin it down further with water with a sprinkle of red wine vinegar to make it as a comfort soup.

Ingredients:

• 250 gms -Bottle gourd cut into 1/2 inch cubes
• 1/2 cup of Split Bengal gram
• 2 Cloves of Garlic
• 1 tsp of Turmeric powder 
• 1 tbsp of Oil 
• 1/2 teaspoon Cumin seeds 
• 1/2 tsp Of Mustard Seeds
• 1 Pinch of Asafoetida 
• 2 Nos Green Chillies( Small)
• 2 tsp Coriander powder 
• 1 Onion Chopped
• 1/2 Tomato,chopped 
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp of Fresh coriander leaves,chopped 

Method:

Soak the Dal for about half an hour .Boil Dal in pressure cooker, keep it aside. Heat oil add mustard seeds,when they splutter,add cumin seeds, chopped onions, curry leaves, turmeric, chopped garlic, salt, sauté it,add chopped green chillies, chopped bottle gourd, chopped tomatoes, stir it and cook untill soft, salt, Dal, and simmer for two minutes. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.