India > Vegetarian > Dal

Snake Gourd Dal Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup split yellow pigeon peas (toor dal)
- 2 cups water
- 1 medium-sized snake gourd, peeled and chopped
- 1 medium-sized onion, chopped
- 2 medium-sized tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 2 dried red chilies
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Salt to taste
- Coriander leaves for garnish

Special equipment needed:
- Pressure cooker

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Rinse the toor dal in water and soak it for 30 minutes.
2. In a pressure cooker, add the soaked toor dal, water, turmeric powder, and salt. Pressure cook for 3-4 whistles or until the dal is cooked.
3. In a pan, heat oil and add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and dried red chilies. Once the seeds start to splutter, add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
4. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute.
5. Add chopped snake gourd and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
6. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy.
7. Add the cooked toor dal to the pan and mix well.
8. Add water if required to adjust the consistency of the dal.
9. Let the dal simmer for 5-7 minutes.
10. Garnish with coriander leaves.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- Pressure cooker: High heat
- Pan: Medium heat
Serving size: 4

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 10g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Toor dal can be substituted with any other lentil.
- Snake gourd can be substituted with any other vegetable of your choice.

Variations:
- Add green chilies for a spicier version.
- Add coconut milk for a creamier texture.

Tips and tricks:
- Soak the toor dal for at least 30 minutes to reduce the cooking time.
- Peel the snake gourd properly to avoid any bitterness.
- Adjust the consistency of the dal as per your preference.

Storage instructions:
- Store the leftover dal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the dal in a pan on medium heat until it is heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the dal in a bowl with a side of rice or bread.

Garnishes:
- Garnish with coriander leaves.

Pairings:
- Serve with rice or bread.

Suggested side dishes:
- Cucumber raita
- Papadum

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dal is too thick, add water to adjust the consistency.
- If the dal is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken.

Food safety advice:
- Always wash the vegetables properly before using them in the recipe.
- Cook the dal properly to avoid any foodborne illnesses.

Food history:
- Dal is a staple food in Indian cuisine and is consumed in various forms across the country.

Flavor profiles:
- The dal has a mild and earthy flavor with a hint of spice.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the dal hot with a side of rice or bread.

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Region: Indian

Taste: Spicy, Tangy, Savory, Earthy, Nutty