Podalangai Kootu / Dal with Snake Gourd

I very rarely buy or cook, Podalangai / Snake gourd. But after trying out Podalangai Kootu, it has become frequent at home. Its Such a simple recipe to try out. it tastes great too. Normally Podalankaai Kootu is cooked with Chana dal. But this kootu is with Moong Dal.

Ingredients:

Moong Dal / Pasi Paruppu - 1 cup
Snake Gourd / Podalankai - 2 (medium sized)
Grated Coconut - 1/4 cup
Cumin - 1 tsp
Pepper - 1 tsp
Dry Red Chilli - 2
Turmeric Powder - a pinch
Oil - 1 tbsp

Method:

Dry Roast the Moong Dal for 3 minutes. and Pressure Cook the dal with half cup of water for upto 3 or 4 whistles.

Wash, de-seed and Chop the Snake Gourd finely.

In a Kadaai, dry roast the cumin seeds, red chilli's and pepper. Grind the roasted ingredients along with grated coconut and little water.

Heat a Pan, and add a tbsp of oil, add cumin seeds, curry leaves and fry the chopped snake gourd, till they are fully cooked, it may take upto 4 minutes to cook. after the podalankaai / snake gourd is cooked add the cooked dal and mix well. and add the grinded coconut mix , a pinch turmeric powder, salt to taste and a cup of water and let the mix boil for few minutes.

Switch off the flame and serve hot for Rice.