Bottle Gourd with Chana Dal

Ingredients:
Bottle Gourd 1/2 of Small One
Chana Dal 1/4 Cup
Green Chiles 2 – 3
Turmeric Powder a big Pinch
Salt to taste

Talimpu:
Mustard Seeds 1/4 tsp
Cumin Seeds 1/4 tsp
Urad Dal 1/4 tsp
Asafoetida a Big Pinch
Curry Leaves 5
Oil 2 tsps

Method of preparation:
Peel, wash, remove ends and chop the bottle gourd (around 2 Cups).
Remove stems, wash and slice the green chiles.
Refresh chana dal under fresh water.
Bring to boil around a cup of water, add chana dal.
Let chana dal cook and turn soft and translucent.
Strain the cooked chana dal and keep aside.
Reserve the cooking liquid for later use.
Heat oil in a wok, add all talimpu ingredients in order.
When mustard seeds start spluttering, add green chiles and fry for couple of seconds.
Then, stir in bottle gourd and add salt.
Add a splash of reserved liquid and cook covered on low flame till bottle gourd turns soft.
Then stir in cooked chana dal and turmeric powder.
Uncover and fry for a minute or two to evaporate any excess moisture.
Serve bottle gourd chana dal curry with steamed rice and a dollop of ghee.