Lauki Chana Dal

Ingredients:
1.Boiling dal:
1 cup split bengal gram (chana dal)
1 cup bottle gourd (lauki) peeled cut into 1 inch cube size pieces
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
Salt to taste
1 medium size diced tomato

2.Seasoning:
2 tablespoons oil or butter
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
3-4 broken whole red chillies
5-10 curry leaves
1 medium size onion, chopped
2-3 garlic cloves, chopped finely
1 inch ginger, chopped finely
1/2 teaspoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1 teaspoon garam masala
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg powder
1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder
Coriander leaves for garnishing

Preparation:
Boil chana dal by adding bottle gourd (lauki) pieces, turmeric powder, salt, and tomato. Pressure cooker can be used to cook dal. Mash dal slightly on an open medium flame so that lauki is mixed well.
Heat oil in a pan, and add whole red chillies. Saute till chillies are dark brown, add cumin seeds, and sauté for few seconds.
Add onions, garlic and ginger. Saute till onions are golden brown.
Add tomatoes and curry leaves. Stir-fry till tomatoes are softened.
Add garam masala powder, coriander powder, nutmeg powder, and red chilli powder and sauté for a few seconds. Add cooked dal with lauki and bring it to a boil. Simmer for about 5 minutes on a medium heat.
Garnish with chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot.