Beerakaya Pappu ~ Ridge Gourd Dal

Beerakaya Pappu ~ Ridge Gourd Lentil ( Dal )Ingredients :Yellow Lentil ( Toor dal ) : 1 cup
Ridge gourd pieces : 2 cups
Tamarind : small lime size ball
Mustard seeds : 1/2 tsp
Urad dal : 1/2 tsp
Chana dal : 1/2 tsp
Turmeric powder : 1/4 tsp
Red chilli powder : 1/2 to 1 tsp
Dry red chilli : 1
Oil : 2 tsp
Few curry leaves
A pinch of hing
Salt to taste

Method :

Wash, peel and chop the ridge gourd into medium size pieces and set aside. Wash the yellow lentil with plenty of water. Put the yellow lentil, ridge gourd pieces, tamarind and 2 1/2 cups of water in a pressure cooker and cook till 3 or 4 whistles. Switch off the flame and wait until the pressure go off. Remove the dal mixture from the cooker and add the salt, turmeric and red chilli powder. Mix well and cook on a low flame for few minutes. Heat oil in a pan for seasoning and add the mustard seeds, chana dal and urad dal and let them splutter. When they start to splutter add the hing, red chilli and curry leaves and stir for a few seconds. Remove from the flame and pour over the cooked dal mixture. Mix well and serve hot with steamed rice or roti.