Snake Gourd Lentil Stew Version 2 for Blog Hop Wednesdays

Between all the people visiting me like crazy and my visiting spree during which i ve made making my parents life full of torments and tumults the dictate of my existence, cooking has been put on the back burner. Well, one can only do so much. Isnt it?? But in the little time that i cooked, i managed to whip up some delicious stews and sides. The stews basically laden with lentils of all sorts and sides as usual bursting with veggies. That s just the dieter part of me worrying about our dose of proteins. And yes i do diet! (emphasises again) So when Radhi paired me up with Sangee, i was, let me think. I was euphoric. Sangee, who is also one of the gourmets on Gourmet Seven, is a fabulous cook who has walked more than an extra mile when it comes to conjuring delicious pots of food. Her space is a delight to any vegetarian and non vegetarian though she s primarily veggie. I had too many recipes that i wanted to try but too lil time. But the thought of this lentil stew with chunks of snake gourd appealed to me more than anything. Lets just say when she posted this recipe, i couldnt wait to lay my hands on these gourds! Needless to say, that sunday when i got back from the farmer s market, i had an armload of veggies which included these gorgeously green gourds. The recipe s quite a breeze to prep up and make. And its definitely comfort on a sunday when all you want to do is lie down on that couch and watch old movies with your belly full of food that will make you feel all cozy and fuzzy inside. Get my idea?I ve one more version of this stew and that s without the onions and tomatoes.Try both. After all, will i lead you astray?

Prep Time: Under 20 mins
Cook Time: Under 30 mins
Serves 2 to 3
Pair This Up With Vatral Kuzhambu, steamed rice and some poppadums

( I tweaked Sangee s recipe a little bit. I used channa dal or bengal gram mostly with little moong dal. You can make it the other way too. Also, i did not pressure cook the onions but sauteed them before adding the cooked dal and the ground paste.)

What You Need?

Snake gourds 2 medium chopped into roundels
Channa dal or bengal gram ¼ cup
Moong dal 2 tbsp
Onion 1 medium finely chopped
Tomatoes 2 small finely chopped
Turmeric powder a large pinch
Oil 1 tbsp
Salt to taste

For The Paste:

Coconut grated ¼ cup
Green chilies 4
Cumin seeds ½ tsp

To Temper:

Oil 1 tsp
Mustard seeds 1 tsp
Curry leaves a sprig
Hing a large pinch
Dry red chili 1

How To Make It?

Grind together coconut, green chilies and cumin to form a smooth paste.Add water as necessary. Set aside.
In a flat bottomed vessel, place the dal, snake gourd and tomatoes in that order in a layered fashion. Add water and turmeric and pressure cook for 3 whistles until the dals are cooked but make sure not to cook them till mushy.
Now, in a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil. Add onions and saute till pink.
Now, add the ground mixture and cook on low flame for about 1 min.
Next add the gourd and the cooked dal and saute for about 2 mins on medium flame. Combine well but gently making sure you dont make the mixture mushy in the process. We are looking forward to eating those tender bengal gram bits.

At this stage, add the salt and stir well.
Simmer for about 2 to 3 mins on medium flame.
Now, in a tempering pan, heat oil.
Add mustard seeds and once they crackle, add the rest of the ingredients.
Add this to the lentil mixture and gently combine.

And thats it! Our stew is ready to be devoured alongside hot rice and ghee. Some poppadoms wont hurt either. Just dont think about that growing waist line!
This goes off to Blog Hop Wednesdays Week 19 and My Legume Love Affair hosted by Simona for Susan this month.

Comments

Kavi says

July 17, 2012 at 4:40 am

beautiful clicks! looks so earthly and healthy! 😀

santosh says

July 17, 2012 at 4:13 am

looking attractive.presentaion is super

Hema says

July 16, 2012 at 5:43 pm

Love this kootu, nice clicks..

Priya Sreeram says

July 16, 2012 at 1:47 pm

enjoy the time-out gal; nice looking kootu

Rosa's Yummy Yums says

July 16, 2012 at 8:21 am

A great dish! Very healthy and surely extremely enjoyable. Cheers, Rosa
Priya says

July 15, 2012 at 11:18 am

Seriously loving your serving bowl,simply love this super comforting stew.

Teri@thefreshmancook says

July 15, 2012 at 4:40 am

Hi Anusha, I wanted to let you know that I appreciate your comments and I agree with you. I have been planning to cut back on my blogging after my giveaway is over on Sunday. I have work responsibilities that will take up a lot of my time for several weeks. Thank you for taking the time to let me know what you are thinking. I really enjoy your blog!!
Hamaree Rasoi says

July 15, 2012 at 2:49 am

Wonderfully presented snake gourd stew…

Jagruti says

July 14, 2012 at 8:31 pm

healthy and yummy dish…lovely pics ! <a href="http://www.jagrutidhanecha.com" rel="nofollow">Jagruti's Cooking Odyssey</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" rel="nofollow">Grind your cooking Masala</a>
Shama Nagarajan says

July 14, 2012 at 5:57 pm

delicious yummy recipe…i too make in the same way

Charul Ajmera says

July 14, 2012 at 4:38 pm

Wow.. i totally dig the clicks and presentation! Wowsome Anu! 🙂

Spice up the Curry says

July 14, 2012 at 1:04 pm

looks very very delicious.. nice one

Radhika says

July 14, 2012 at 5:29 am

Love this Anu. Wonderfully presented and hey gal when are getting back. missing you… well… sort of…

Sanoli Ghosh says

July 13, 2012 at 8:32 pm

very nicely decorated. stew looks delicious and yummy.

Roshni says

July 13, 2012 at 5:27 pm

Beutiful clicks anusha… really love the presentation

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