Lauki Masala Toor Dal with Garlic

                                                 Lauki Masala Toor Dal with Garlic

Cuisine: North Indian Vegetarian
Serves: 2
Prep Time: 45 mts.


Grocery List:

1. Lauki (Bottlegourd)  1 medium of which 1/4 cut, washed and chopped after peeling skin 

                 into big cubes.

2. Cilantro Leaves  a few washed and chopped finely

3. Curry leaves ( optional) a few washed and chopped

4. Garlic Pods peeled 5 to 6

From the Pantry:

1. Toor Dal  1/8 cup washed

2. Turmeric Powder -  a pinch

3. Red Chilli Powder - a pinch

4. Kitchen King Masala  a pinch 

4. Rai  1/8 tspn.

5. Jeera Seeds (whole) - 1/8 tspn. OR Cumin powder a pinch

6. Asafoetida - a pinch

7. Cooking oil (or ghee if preferred) - 1 and 1/2 tbspn.

8. salt - to taste

9. Water  1/2 cup

Method:

1. Add washed Toor dal to an open deep pan and add water. To this add washed and cut Lauki, turmeric powder a few drops of oil. Cook on low heat till dal is fully cooked. If water evaporates in between cooking, add a bit more water till dal is soft and mashable. 
    

2. After dal and Lauki is cooked, turn off heat. Add salt as to taste and chilli powder.

3. In aTadka Pan, pour 1 tbsp.oil, and on low heat let oil heat up.To this add Rai seeds, asafoetida, and Jeera seeds or cumin powder and let Rai splutter. Add Garlic Pods and turn a bit till garlic pods are slightly Brown.  Remove from heat and add to dal.

4. Garnish with cilantro leaves and Curry Leaves.