Lauki Chana Dal (Bottle Gourd and Split Chickpea Curry)

Quick answer

A hearty and comforting Indian dal made by simmering diced bottle gourd and split yellow chickpeas with basic spices.

Read the steps as a cooking flow: prep, heat, seasoning, doneness control, and finish.

5 steps

1

Prep

Wash the chana dal and soak it in water for at least 30 minutes.
2

Prep

Peel and deseed the bottle gourd, then cut it into 2cm cubes.
3

Season

In a pot, combine soaked dal, gourd, 400ml water, turmeric, and salt, then cook for 25 minutes until the dal is soft.
4

Heat

Heat ghee in another pan, splutter cumin seeds, then add chopped onion, garlic, and ginger, sautéing until golden.
5

Control

Add chopped tomatoes and chili powder, cook until soft, then pour in the cooked gourd and dal mixture, simmering for 5 minutes.

The cues that matter most while cooking.

Key technique: Soft bottle gourd and nutty split chickpeas
Finish cue: Add chopped tomatoes and chili powder, cook until soft, then pour in the cooked gourd and dal mixture, simmering for 5 minutes.