Bottle Gourd and Chana Dal Masala Kootu

Ingredients: Bottle gourd – 1; Bengal gram (chana dal) – 50g; Onion – 1; Tomato – 1; Sambar powder – 1 tsp; Turmeric powder – 1 pinch; Green chilies – 2; Garam masala powder – 1/4 tsp; Amchur (dry mango powder) – 1/4 tsp; Salt – 1/2 tsp. For tempering: Oil – 1/2 tsp; Cumin seeds – 1/2 tsp.

Method: Wash the chana dal (split Bengal gram), add half a cup of water, and pressure cook it for two to three whistles. Chop the bottle gourd into cubes. Chop the onion and tomato. Slit the green chilies lengthwise. Add the bottle gourd, onion, tomato, green chilies, sambar powder, garam masala powder, amchur (dry mango powder), and salt to the cooked chana dal in the pressure cooker and mix well. Temper the cumin seeds in oil and add them to the mixture; then, close the cooker, cook for one whistle, and remove from heat. serve hot with chappathis.