Ridge Gourd Kootu

Ingredients:

• 1 Ridge gourd
• 1/2 cup Chana dal
• 1/4 cup Onion chopped
• 1 Tomato chopped
• 1/2" piece Ginger
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 1/4 tsp Peppercorns
• 1 tsp Chili powder
• 1 1/2 tsp Coriander powder
• 1/4 Tsp Turmeric powder
• 1/2 cup Coconut shredded
• 1/4 cup Coriander chopped
• 1/2 " piece Cinnamon
• 2 cloves
• 1/2 tsp Mustard seeds
• 2 tbsp Oil
• 4 cups Water
• Salt to taste

Method:

1. Scrap the hard skin of the ridge gourd, wash it well and chop into small pieces and keep aside.
2. Grind ginger, garlic, cinnamon, cloves and peppercorns to a fine paste adding little water.
3. Now heat a pan, add oil, when hot add mustard seeds, when they splutter add the chopped onions.
4. Fry until onions turn transparent.
5. Add the grounded paste, fry till the raw smell is gone.
6. Add chopped tomato and cook till soft.
7. Add chili powder, turmeric powder and coriander powder, saute them well.
8. Now add the washed chana dal and the chopped ridge gourd.
9. Pour water and mix well.
10. Now grind coconut and coriander to a fine paste with little water.
11. Add this grounded paste to the curry, add salt and mix them well.
12. Close the lid and pressure cook for 3 whistles and leave untouched until the pressure is released.
13. Serve hot with rice, chapati/roti, etc..