GOURD AND CHANNA DAL

INGREDIENTS :

1/2 cup channa dal (bengal gram)
1 small bottle gourd
1 tsp. coriander finely chopped
1 onion finely chopped
1 tomato chopped
3/4 tsp. dhania powder
1/2 tsp. red chilli powder
1/4 tsp. turmeric powder
salt to taste
1/2 tsp. sugar
2 pinches asafoetida
1/4 tsp. each mustard & cumin seeds
1 tbsp. oil
1/2 cup water

METHOD :

Wash and soak dal for 15-20 minutes.
Peel and chop gourd into medium sized cubes.
Mix all dry masalas together.
Heat oil in a heavy sauce pan.
Add seeds, allow to splutter,
Add chopped onions till light brown and then the tomatoes, till tender.
Add asafoetida, and masalas
Allow to simmer for 2 minutes.
Pressure cook dal for 10 mts. Till it is partially tender.
Add gourd sugar, salt, and cook further 5 minutes.till gourd is tender
Garnish with chopped coriander.
Serve hot with chappati, or parantha.