Yellow Lentil With Bitter Gourd And Bottle Gourd

Ingredients:

Moog dal/Yellow lentil:1/2 cup

Korola/Bitter gourd:1 medium cut into rounds
Lau/Bottle gourd:8-10 large cubes
Ginger: 1 tsp (grated)+1 tsp (julienne)
Green chilies:2
Celery seed:1/2 tsp
Turmeric powder:1/2 tsp
Salt to taste
Sugar to taste
Oil

Method:

1. Soak the bitter gourd in water for 10-15 min, then wash them well. Cut the bitter gourd into 1/2 cm thick rounds. If the seeds are ripe and hard, discard the seeds.

2. Peel and wash bottle gourd, and cut into large cubes 1 and 1/2 inch thickness.

3. Wash the yellow lentil thoroughly, till the water runs clear. In a pressure cooker put the lentils and cubed bottle gourd and water. Cook on high heat till 2 whistles. Remove from heat. Wait till the pressure releases.

4. In a pan  heat 2 tbsp of oil and fry the bitter gourd pieces. Add salt and turmeric powder while frying.

5. In the pan  add 1 tbsp oil, when the oil is hot reduce the heat and add celery seeds.

6. Add the grated ginger and cook for 1-2 min. Add the boiled lentil and bottle gourd, turmeric powder and water. The amount of water depends on the thickness you want for the soup. Add the fried bitter gourd. As it boils, reduce the heat add green chilies, cover and cook for 10 min. Add sugar.

7. Check the seasoning, adjust accordingly. Switch off the heat. Transfer to a serving bowl. Sprinkle the julienned ginger, immediately cover the bowl.