Lauki Chana Dal (Bottle Gourd, Ghiya, Doodhi)
Lauki Chana Dal is is a healthful, wholesome lentil and vegetable main course dish. Having a low glycemic index, it is especially good for diabetics.
Ingredients
- 1 medium bottle gourd (laucki, ghiya, doodhi)
- 1/2 cup yellow split gram (chana dal)
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds jeera
- 1/8 tsp asafetida hing
- 2 whole red chilies
- 1 tsp ginger shredded adrak
- 1/4 tsp turmeric haldi
- 1/2 tsp chili powder, adjust to taste
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp mango powder amchoor
- 2 tbsp cilantro finely chopped hara dhania
- 1 cup water used as needed
Instructions
- Wash and soak chana dal for one hour or more.
- Peel and wash laucki (bottle gourd). Cut into half-inch cubes.
- Heat the oil in a saucepan. Test the heat by adding one cumin seed to the oil; if the seed cracks right away, the oil is ready. Add the cumin seeds. When seeds start to crack, add the asafetida and whole red chilies. Stir for a few seconds. Add ginger, turmeric, and chili powder and stir for a few seconds.
- Add the chana dal, bottle gourd, salt, and one cup of water (adjust as needed to desired gravy thickness; bottle guard varies in moisture content).
- Cook the chana dal until soft. About fifteen minutes. Turn off the heat and add the mango powder, garam masala, and cilantro. Stir and cover the pan for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Serving suggestion
Serve with roti (whole wheat flat bread), paratha (flat bread), or plain rice.
Variations
Mango powder can be replaced with lemon juice.
Add two tablespoons dry fenugreek leaves or two tablespoons of fresh chopped fenugreek leaves when adding the bottle gourd.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Introduction to Lauki Chana Dal
Lauki Chana Dal, also known as bottle gourd with split chickpeas, is a nutritious gluten free and flavorful dish that is popular in Indian cuisine. This wholesome recipe combines tender bottle gourd (lauki) with protein-rich split chickpeas (chana dal) to create a comforting and satisfying dish. In this Lauki Chana Dal recipe, we’ll show you how to make this delicious sabzi (vegetable dish) step by step, so you can enjoy its goodness at home.
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients:
To start, gather all the necessary ingredients for making Lauki Chana Dal. Rinse the chana dal under cold water and soak it for a few hours or overnight to soften. Meanwhile, peel the bottle gourd and chop it into small cubes. Finely chopped tomatoes, green chilies, garlic, and ginger. Having all the ingredients prepped and ready will make the cooking process smoother.
Step 2: Cooking the Chana Dal:
In a pressure cooker or a pot, add the soaked chana dal along with water, turmeric, and salt. Pressure cook or simmer until the dal is soft and cooked through. Cooking the dal separately ensures that it’s tender and retains its shape when combined with the other ingredients later. Once the dal is cooked, set it aside while we prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 3: Tempering the Spices:
In a separate pan, heat ghee or oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Next, add ginger, followed by chopped green chilies. Sauté until the raw aroma of the spices disappears and the mixture becomes fragrant.
Step 4: Adding the Bottle Gourd:
Once the spices are tempered, add the chopped bottle gourd to the pan. Stir well to coat the gourd pieces with the aromatic spices. Cook the bottle gourd for a few minutes until it starts to soften slightly. The gentle cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a delicious and well-balanced dish.
Step 5: Combining with Chana Dal:
Now, add the cooked chana dal to the pan with the bottle gourd and spices. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few more minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and the bottle gourd to cook through completely. Adjust the seasoning with salt and add a pinch of garam masala for extra flavor if desired.
Step 6: Finishing Touches:
Once the Lauki Chana Dal is cooked to perfection, garnish it with freshly chopped cilantro leaves for a burst of freshness and color. You can also squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the dish to enhance its flavor. Serve the Lauki Chana Dal hot with steamed rice or roti for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Tips for Making Perfect Lauki Chana Dal:
- Soak Chana Dal: Soaking the chana dal beforehand helps reduce cooking time and ensures that it cooks evenly.
- Don’t Overcook Bottle Gourd: Be careful not to overcook the bottle gourd, as it can become mushy. Cook until it’s tender but still retains its shape.
- Adjust Spice Level: Customize the spice level according to your preference by adjusting the amount of green chilies or adding red chili powder.
Variations of Lauki Chana Dal:
- Lauki Chana Dal Curry: Add coconut milk or tomato puree to create a creamy curry version of the dish.
- Spicy Lauki Chana Dal: Increase the amount of green chilies or add dried red chili flakes for extra heat.
- Lauki Chana Dal Soup: Blend the cooked ingredients with some vegetable broth to create a hearty and nutritious soup.
Benefits of Including Lauki Chana Dal in Your Diet
- Rich in Protein: Chana dal is an excellent source of plant-based protein, making Lauki Chana Dal a nutritious option for vegetarians and vegans.
- High in Fiber: Both chana dal and bottle gourd are rich in fiber, which aids digestion and helps keep you feeling full and satisfied.
- Loaded with Vitamins and Minerals: Lauki Chana Dal is packed with essential nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron, and potassium, contributing to overall health and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Lauki Chana Dal:
Q: Can I use other lentils instead of chana dal?
A: Yes, you can use other lentils such as masoor dal or moong dal if you prefer. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary.
Q: Can I make Lauki Chana Dal ahead of time?
A: Yes, Lauki Chana Dal can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
Q: Is Lauki Chana Dal gluten-free?
A: Yes, Lauki Chana Dal is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
For more delicious Indian vegetable recipes, visit Manjula’s Kitchen. Explore a variety of vegetarian dishes featuring seasonal vegetables, lentils, and spices to add variety and flavor to your meals.
Susan
July 17, 2019 at 8:40 pmI just tried it out and it was delicious with rotis. I also added green chillies and topped off with coconut milk at the end!
Manjula Jain
July 20, 2019 at 12:49 ammaking changes are always good and creating your own recipe
Didina
February 18, 2017 at 5:36 pmThe closest thing I can get to lauki is zucchini…how many zucchini should I use in place of a bottle gourd?
Fizzah
March 3, 2015 at 10:24 amIf i donot want to use hing what else i can use with it?
Chandrika
November 27, 2013 at 5:18 amWas looking for a recipe to use up the lauki lying in my fridge. Glad I found this recipe. At first was quite apprehensive how it would turn out to be. But the outcome was just amazing. My husband loved it too. Thank you.
Dr. R K. Majumder
October 15, 2013 at 9:03 amMadame Manjula ji !
As an amature cook I love to cook for my family members,if also I m a doctor in profession. From the very begining I m watching your recipes.I must say u r simply GREAT.May god bless u a healthy life to teach us colorful cooking. Thank u for all.
jyn
January 30, 2013 at 10:10 pmManjula,
You’re the greatest Indian cooking teacher! I love chana dal and I soak the dried beans in a brine (1tsp to 1 quart water) overnight and I like the texture it gives.
I always use hing now that I saw it on your Youtubes.
sunil shah-Baroda
November 1, 2012 at 6:53 pmAntiji , is it possible to show the timer at the time of recording the whole vdo in your edited vdo-recipe so we can know the exact time taken at each step of recipe.
Vani
December 5, 2011 at 3:47 pmManjulaji, I am used to making Southern Indian food. But I wanted to learn the Northern Indian cooking and I have prepared using recipes from other sources. It has been okay but not great. I am so happy that I found you. I am making this for dinner tonight.
Vani
Jesse Hardy
April 27, 2011 at 11:28 pmManjula, you never cease to amaze me. This recipe is SOOOOOO GOOOODDDDD. You truly are an inspiration to me, and it is because of you that I am now a vegetarian.
Gemma
September 17, 2010 at 8:19 amI loved this, it was the best dal I’ve ever made! In case anybody is wondering, it works fine without a pressure cooker. I used an ordinary frying pan and it was about 10-15 minutes before the chana dal was soft. I also left the skin on the bottle gourd and it was lovely.
Rachel
September 11, 2010 at 7:38 amMy family and I love this recipe! I am so glad you are doing videos. It gives me something to look forward to. You new recipes! Everyone I have tried is so delicious and my family loves them. Thanks so much. You are appreciated!!
Rachel
Jaya
June 22, 2010 at 5:41 amBagi, if you cannot find hing, just omit it. The recipe will still taste good.
Bagi
June 21, 2010 at 9:49 pmHi,
Thanks for the recipe… I cannot find hing in my place so is there any substitute for that?
Baz
July 6, 2010 at 8:30 pm“If you cannot find it, substitute asafoetida with two cloves of garlic, peeled and slivered. Substitute ¼ tsp asafoetida powder with ¼ garlic powder + ¼ onion powder.”
http://www.allfoodsnatural.com/condiments/spices/313-asafoetida.html
vilekha
April 23, 2010 at 5:38 amhi manjula aunty,
do we need to remove the seeds center portion of doodhi ………r use it as it is…
Jaya
April 23, 2010 at 7:34 amVilekha, watch the video too. You will see that she does remove the seeds. The videos give more tips than just reading the recipe.
Jaya
April 23, 2010 at 7:36 amSorry, I commented incorrectly. I was thinking of the Lauki Kheer recipe.
Pamela Sen
March 22, 2010 at 2:59 pmHi can I add Moong ki Wadhi with lauki instead of chana dal
Manjula Jain
March 22, 2010 at 3:53 pmPamela,
sounds great.
kavita
February 24, 2010 at 7:26 amCan we make this in coconut gravy?
Manjula Jain
February 24, 2010 at 2:23 pmHi Kavita,
It should taste good; I am not used to use much coconut in cooking.
kavita
February 25, 2010 at 1:01 amHello Aunty
We can use wet shredded coconut grind with red chilli powder alongwith some water and we can add that coconut paste at time of adding water, this will also give thickness to the recipe.
JAY
February 14, 2010 at 9:41 amThis was great. I like it spicy so I added more chili powder and chilies. I could find thae gourd so I used green squash.
The one thing I couldn’t do – get the dal tender (even after soaking for an hour) before the squash gets too soft. The second time I made it I added the squash about half way through the cooking process.
All I can say is Manjula rocks. The recipes are simple, quick, and fantastic!
Jaya
February 14, 2010 at 8:03 pmSoak the dal in hot water. That will help.
vilekha
April 23, 2010 at 5:41 amu can even use oil and turmeric to cook any type of dal to get theml tender quickly…………..
Cooking Passion
February 9, 2010 at 10:24 pmI do it with moong dal instead of channa dal
richa
February 9, 2010 at 10:24 amhey,cool …looking nice…here is my slow cooker version of the same recipe…
http://richaskitchen.blogspot.com/2010/01/chana-dallentil-with-lauki.html
Forest
February 9, 2010 at 1:54 amHey Manjula, the recipe looks great. Do you think the Gord could be replaced with pumpkin or other types of Squash?
Likes2Eat
February 8, 2010 at 2:41 pmLooks good. I’m curious, are you not supposed to cook the amchoor powder much, is that why you add it at the end with the garam masala? Does cooking it change the flavor of it?
Rakhi
February 8, 2010 at 12:58 pmThanks for the recipe..I always used to add coriander powder and never liked it..Now,I will try this as per your recipe…Looks great..