Lauki Moong Dal

                                                       Lauki Moong Dal

Cuisine: 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

From the Pantry:

1. Moong Dal  1/8 cup washed

2. Turmeric Powder -  a pinch

3. Red Chilli Powder - 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 Moong 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. Remove from heat and add to dal.

4. Garnish with cilantro leaves and curry leaves.

Note:  Serve piping hot with cooked white Rice and ghee, Rotis or Naans.