01/09/2026
Dudhi-Chana Dal
Ingredients:
- 2 palmfuls chana dal
- 1 small piece dudhi/lauki/bottle gourd
- 1 small tomato
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin-coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon sambhar powder
- 1.5 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon jaggery
- ghee
- mustard seeds
- cumin seeds
- 1 small green chili
- 1/2 inch grated ginger
- pinch asafoetida/hing
- a few curry leaves
- lemon/lime juice
- fresh coriander leaves to garnish
Method:
1. Wash, rinse and then soak the chana dal for a few hours (if you’re short on time, soak for at least 1 hour in boiling water).
2. Wash, peel and cut the bottle gourd into small cubes. Do the same thing with the tomato (you can leave the skin on).
3. In a pressure cooker, place the chana dal, bottle gourd, tomato inside with enough water (around 2-3 cups). Add in turmeric powder, chili powder, cumin-coriander power, sambhar powder, salt and jaggery. Close the lid and allow to pressure cook for 4-5 whistles on medium heat.
4. Once the bottle gourd and chana dal have cooked and the pressure has naturally released, prepare the tempering.
5. In a small vessel, heat the ghee, once hot, add in mustard seeds (allow them to pop) and then add in cumin seeds, green chilies, grated ginger, asafoetida and curry leaves - cook everything until it’s nice and aromatic.
6. Add the tempered spices to the bottle gourd and chana dal mixture, mix well and bring to a gentle simmer. Allow to simmer for a few minutes.
7. Turn the heat off, add in the lime/lemon juice and fresh coriander.
8. Serve with hot rotlis or rice, offer with love and honour with gratitude!