Lauki Chana Dal in Coconut Milk

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Ingredients:
Lauki (Bottle Gourd) – 1/2 kg
Chana Dal – 1/2 cup
Coconut Gratings – 1/2 cup
Rice – 1 tsp
Chilli Powder – 1/2 tsp (optional)
Turmeric Powder – 1/4 tsp
Onion – 1, chopped
Oil – 2 to 3 tblsp
Coriander Leaves – 2 tblsp, chopped
Salt to taste

Grind to Paste:
Green Chillies – 1 to 2
Ginger – 1/2 inch piece
Garlic – 3 cloves

For Seasoning:
Cumin Seeds – 1/2 tsp
Asafoetida – a pinch
Cloves – 2
Pepper Corns – 1/4 tsp
Cinnamon – 1/2 inch piece

Method:
1. Boil chana dal with 1/4 tsp of turmeric powder and set aside.
2. Peel and cut bottle gourd into cubes.
3. Grind coconut with rice to a very fine paste.
4. Add 1 to 1 1/2 cups of hot water, mix and set aside.
5. Heat oil, add seasonings and when done, add onion, fry to brown.
6. Add ground paste and fry till oil surfaces.
7. Add chilli and turmeric powder while continuing to fry all the time.
8. Add bottle gourd, stir fry for 1 to 2 minutes, add salt, sprinkle some water, cover and cook on low heat till the vegetable gets soft.
9. Add coconut milk, chopped coriander leaves and cook till well blended.
10. Serve hot.