Tetor Dal (Yellow Lentil with Bitter Gourd)

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup moong dal (yellow lentil)
• 1 cup bottle gourd 
• 1/2 cup bitter gourd (cut into thick ring)
• 1/4 tsp. turmeric powder
• 1 tsp. ginger (grated)
• 1 tbsp. mustard oil
• 2 tbsp. pure ghee
• 2 1/2 tsp. sugar
• Salt to taste
• 1 + 1 cup water

To temper:

• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 tsp. black cumin
• 1 whole dry red chili 

Making Procedure:

Peel the bottle gourd and cut into small cubes. Wash the bottle gourd and lentil. Keep it aside.

In a pressure cooker add lentil and bottle gourd along with a cup of water. Give 1 whistle and keep them until steam dissipate on its own.

Heat 1 tbsp. oil in a pan and let it smoke. Reduce the heat and add bitter gourd. Fry it till light brown colour. Remove from oil and keep aside.

Now add ghee and then add bay leaf, black cumin, whole dry red chili. When the spices starts crackling add grated ginger and stir for few seconds. Then add the boiled lentil and bottle gourd, turmeric powder, salt, sugar, 1 cup water into it; mix well and cook it for 2-3 minutes on simmer. 

Then add fried bitter gourd and cook for 1-2 minutes on low heat.  

Now pour Tetor dal into a serving bowl and serve with plain rice and begun bhaja.