Surakkai pattani kootu(Bottlegourd/Lauki mutter dal)

The thing that bottle gourd was one of the earliest vegetables cultivated by man makes me treat this real special. It has been known for its medicinal value and hence is being widely used in traditional healing. I love to use this often in my kitchen. Using mutter in this recipe gives it an extra punch. I combine lentils with vegetables just to boost the protein intake. This healthy recipe can be eaten either with rotis or hot rice.

Ingredients
Surakkai(lauki) - 1 medium size
Moong dal - 1/2 cup
Pattani(Mutter)-1/2 cup
Onion - 1 medium size
Tomato - 1 medium size
Garlic - 2 - 3 cloves
Curry leaves- A handful
Turmeric powder- 1 tsp
Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
Fennel seeds(Sombu)- 1 tsp
Red chillies - 2
Chilli powder or Sambar powder- 1 tbsp
Oil - 2 tbsp
Salt - 1 tbsp

Preparation Method
Cut the Bottle gourd into medium size pieces and pressure cook it along with the dal and mutter. Add the turmeric powder while you pressure cook it.

Now heat oil in a pan and add the mustard seeds, fennel seeds , red chillies and the curry leaves. Add the garlic and onion and fry them well.

Add the tomatoes along with the cooked dal. Add chilli powder and salt.

Let it boil for about 7-10 minutes. Dal is ready to serve.If you like it to be more spicy you can use bay leaves, cloves and cinnamon while doing the tadka.