LAUKI CHANA DAL

Lauki Chana Dal Curry

This healthy and flavorful Lauki Chana Dal Curry is prepared with bottle gourd (lauki), Bengal gram (chana dal), and a rich onion-tomato masala. It is packed with protein, perfectly balanced in flavor, and can easily be made vegan by skipping the yogurt. Enjoy this comforting curry with steamed rice or fresh rotis.

Ingredients for the Masala

• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1–2 tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 5–6 garlic cloves
• 1-inch ginger piece
• 1–2 green chillies
• 1 cup water
• Salt to taste

Instructions to Prepare the Masala

1. Heat 1 tsp oil in a pan.
2. Add all the masala ingredients and sauté for 2–3 minutes.
3. Add 1 cup water and cover. Simmer for 5–6 minutes until everything becomes soft.
4. Allow the mixture to cool.
5. Grind into a smooth paste and keep aside.

Preparing the Chana Dal

• 1 cup chana dal, soaked overnight

1. Pressure cook the soaked chana dal until it is about 70–80% cooked.
2. The dal should be soft enough to press between your fingers while still holding its shape.

Other Ingredients

• 1 bottle gourd (lauki), chopped into pieces
• 3–4 fresh red chillies
• 2–3 dry red chillies
• 1-inch ginger, julienned
• 1–2 tsp yogurt

Powder Spices

• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tbsp red chilli powder
• 1 tbsp Shilpa’s Masala Mill Garam Masala
• 1 tbsp coriander powder
• 1 tbsp cumin powder
• ¼ tsp turmeric powder
• Pinch of hing (asafoetida)
• Salt to taste
• 1 tsp whole cumin seeds

Instructions

1. Heat 2–3 tbsp oil in a kadhai or deep pan.
2. Add whole cumin seeds, hing, and dry red chillies.
3. Add the sliced onions and sauté for 3–4 minutes.
4. Add all the powdered spices and fry for 2–3 minutes.
5. Add the prepared masala paste and cook for 4–5 minutes.
6. Add the yogurt and sauté for another 1–2 minutes.
7. Once the masala is well combined, add the chopped lauki and cook for 3–4 minutes.
8. Add the partially cooked chana dal and mix well.
9. Pour in 1 cup hot water.
10. Cover and cook over medium heat for 10–12 minutes or until the lauki becomes tender.
11. Add the fresh red chillies.
12. Garnish with julienned ginger and fresh coriander leaves.
13. Your delicious Lauki Chana Dal Curry is ready to serve.

Serve hot with steamed rice or fresh rotis.