Yellow Split Peas with Bottle Gourd / Lau diye Motor Dal

Yellow Split Peas / Mator Dal - 3/4 cup
Salt
Turmeric

Oil - 1 tbsp
Paanch Phoron (a mix of cumin, mustard, nigella, fenugreek, fennel seeds) - 1 tsp or 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
Dried Whole Red Chili - 2, break into two pieces
Bottle Gourd / Lau / Lauki - 1 small gourd or 2 cups, (peeled & diced)
Ginger - 1 inch, grated
Turmeric - a pinch
Salt
Tomato - 1, chopped
Green Chili - 2
Water - 1 cup

Add 2 cups of water, a pinch of turmeric and salt to the washed dal and cook in a pressure cooker / rice cooker till soft. Remove and mash coarsely with a fork and keep aside.

Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet. Add the mustard seeds / five spice mixture and dried red chili. Saute for a few seconds. Now add the diced bottle gourd, grated ginger, a little salt and a pinch of turmeric. Reduce the flame and cook on slow fire till the vegetable is almost cooked.

Add the chopped tomato and mix well and cook for a few minutes till the tomato breaks down.

Add the boiled dal, green chilies and a cup of water. Mix well and bring it to boil. Cook till desired consistency is reached. Serve hot with steamed rice or bhakris.