Chana dal lauki is a popular North Indian dish made with split chickpeas (chana dal) and bottle gourd (lauki). Here’s a simple recipe for cooking it in a home-style manner:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup chana dal (split chickpeas), soaked for at least 2 hours
- 1 small to medium-sized bottle gourd (lauki), peeled and diced
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2-3 green chilies, slit lengthwise
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust according to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Rinse the chana dal thoroughly and soak it in enough water for at least 2 hours. After soaking, drain the water.
- Peel the bottle gourd and dice it into small cubes.
- Finely chop the onions, tomatoes, and green chilies.
- Grate the ginger and mince the garlic.
- Cooking:
- Heat oil in a pressure cooker or a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
- Add grated ginger and minced garlic. Sauté for another minute until the raw smell disappears.
- Add chopped tomatoes and green chilies. Cook until the tomatoes turn soft and oil starts separating from the masala.
- Now, add the soaked and drained chana dal to the cooker. Stir well to combine with the masala.
- Add diced bottle gourd (lauki), turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix everything well.
- Pour in enough water to cover the dal and vegetables. Adjust the consistency according to your preference.
- Close the pressure cooker lid and cook for about 4-5 whistles, or if using a heavy-bottomed pan, cover it and cook until the dal and vegetables are soft and well-cooked.
- Once the pressure releases naturally, open the cooker and check the consistency. If it’s too thick, you can add more water and simmer for a few minutes.
- Finally, sprinkle garam masala and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- Serving:
- Serve hot with steamed rice or roti. It pairs well with a side of yogurt or raita.
Enjoy your delicious home-style chana dal lauki!