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Bengal Gram with Bottle Gourd (Doodhi Channa)

Rich Vegetarian Curry, very nutritious and satisfying.

Serves: 4-6 | Suitable for vegetarians

Bengal Gram with Bottle Gourd (Doodhi Channa)

Instructions

A traditional dish among Deccan Muslims, this is a sumptuous meal, rich with vitamins and providing protein and energy to keep you going for the whole day.

  1. Heat the ghee or oil in a large pan and fry the onion until golden brown.
  2. Reduce the heat then add the chilli powder, coriander powder, turmeric, ginger, chillies, and tomato.
  3. Fry for 5 minutes.
  4. Add the drained bengal gram (lentils) and fry for 2 minutes.
  5. Add 3 cups of water and the bottle gourd. Cook until the lentils are tender but not mushy.
  6. Add garam masala, lemon juice, and salt to taste.
  7. Heat the remaining 2 tbsp oil in a frying pan and fry all the tarka ingredients until the mustard seeds begin to crackle and the garlic is golden brown.
  8. Stir the oil and spices into the lentil and gourd mix and cover immediately.
  9. Serve hot, garnished with the coriander leaves.

This dish is good on its own, with rice, or as a side dish. If bottle gourd isn't for you, try using courgettes or marrow instead.