Pudalangai Paruppu Kootu

• Soak 1 handful of Chana dhal in enough water for about 2 hours
• Cook the dhal in microwave for 10 minutes. The dhal should be cooked but not mushy
• Slit open the Snake gourd (Pudalangai), scoop out and discard the white seedy part
• Chop the vegetable into thin bite slice pieces
• Heat oil in a pan and temper it with 1 tsp of mustard seeds, curry leaves, 1 tsp of cumin seeds, pinch of hing
• Add 1 red onion finely chopped and saute till translucent
• Add about 3 finely minced garlic pods
• Add salt per taste and a pinch of Turmeric powder (haldi)
• Add the vegetables and saute till they are almost done
• Add 1 tsp of red chilly powder and saute for 5 more minutes
• Now add the cooked chana dhal
• Optionally you may add 1/2 cup of water to adjust the consistency
• Cover and cook for 15 minutes
• Optional: Sprinkle 1 tbsp of coconut powder and leave for 2 more minutes
• Serve with Bread or Roti or Rice or as plain side