Lauki Dal - Vegan & GF | Bottlegourd in lentil sauce | Easy Side Dishes

We made this Dal as part of the Diabetic Mini Thali featured here. Lauki or bottle gourd is something we have taken to liking only in the recent years. Today's is a super simple yet filling side dish for rice or hot rotis / phulkas. I haven't added any onion / tomato in this, but you can add as per your choice. 

Course : Main course, Indian
Served with : Indian flat breads or Steamed rice
Vegan and GF Lauki Dal (bottle gourd cooked with lentils)

Ingredients:

• Lauki / bottle gourd - 1/2 medium
• split green gram / moong dal - 2 fistfuls
• Turmeric - 1/8 tsp
• Salt - to taste
• Tempering : oil 1/2 tsp, mustard seeds 1/4 tsp , jeera(cumin) 1/4 tsp, curry leaves, 1 slit green chilly 
• Garnish : coriander leaves, Lemon juice (1/2 tsp)

How to make:

1. Soak Moong dal in warm water for 10 mins. Wash, peel and cube the bottle gourd into 1/2 inch cubes.
2. In a pressure cooker, add 1/2 tsp, temper the mustard & cumin seeds, add the curry leaves and green chilly. saute for 1/2 min
3. Now add the cubed lauki, saute for 1 min, add turmeric, half the salt, soaked moong (along with the soaked water). Pressure cook for 1-2 whistles. turn off heat immediately, and release the pressure. 
4. Adjust thickness with more water and add salt if necessary.  Mash lightly if needed.
5. Let it simmer for 1-2 mins. Switch off flame.
6. Finish with coriander leaves & lemon juice. Serve hot