Ridge Gourd Masoor Dal

Ingredients:

Ridge Gourd / Turai 1 small
Masoor Dal 1 1/2 cups
Onion 1 Small
Green Chiles 3
Tamarind 1/2 inch sized ball
Turmeric Powder 1/2 tsp
Salt to taste

Talimpu:

Urad Dal 1 tsp
Mustard Seeds 1 tsp
Cumin Seeds 1 tsp
Broken Red Chiles 4
Curry Leaves 8
Asafoetida a pinch
Oil 1 tsp

Method of preparation:

Wash masoor dal under water thoroughly and pressure cook in 3 cups of water for 3 whistles.
Alternatively, cook masoor dal on stove top till its soft.

Wash, remove skin, remove ends and chop ridge gourd into small pieces.
Leave little bit of skin on ridge gourd for light crunch if you wish.
Remove stems, wash and slice the green chiles.
Peel and finely chop the onion.
Soak tamarind in half a cup of water and extract all the juice.

Heat oil in a pan, add all talimpu ingredients in order.
When mustard seeds start spluttering, add green chiles and onion.
Once onion is translucent, add chopped ridge gourd, tamarind extract, turmeric powder and salt.
Cook covered on medium flame until ridge gourd turns soft.
Add a splash of water if required.
Then, add cooked masoor dal and salt if necessary.
Bring to a bubble and boil for few minutes.
Serve ridge gourd masoor dal with steamed rice or chapati.