LAUKI MOONG DAL KOOTU

NOTE: Lauki/Doodhi which is very popular up North,West and East, is not much used in Souther cuisine. It is a very versatile vegetable. Try making this simple kootu where no coconut is used.

U need:
Lauki ( Sorakkai): 1 small or medium tender
Green peas: 1/2 cup
Moong dal: 1/4 cup
Green chillies: 3
Rasam powder: 1 tsp
Red chilli powder: 1/2 tsp
Tomatoes: 1 chopped
Coriander leaves: 2 tsp
Salt to taste
Ghee: 2 tablsp
Onion: 1 chopped fine
Turmeric: 1/2 tsp
Mustard seeds:1/2 tsp
Broken red chillies: 2
Lemon juice:1/2 tsp optional

Method:
Lightly fry the moong dal and pressure cook with 1/2 tsp turmeric.
2. Clean and peel the lauki and chop to small pieces.Mince green chillies.
3. Heat ghee in a kadai. Add the broken red chillies,mustard seeds.Once the seeds sputter add the chopped onions and minced green chillies. Sauté well
4. Now add the tomatoes and continue stirring.Add rasam powder,salt,red chilli powder and 1 tsp coriander leaves.Continue Sauté.
5.Add the green peas and fry.Add the chopped lauki and stir well.Add 1/2 cup water.Cover and cook till the lauki and peas are cooked. Lauki will give out its own water,so add less water while cooking.
6.Remove lid.Add the cooked moong dal and mix well.Add the balance coriander leaves and simmer for another 2 to 3 mins.
7. Add lemon juice,off the gas and transfer to a bowl.
8.Serve hot with rotis or rice

Bonn!!!!!!!!!Appetite!!!!!!!!!!!