Bottle Gourd (Sorakkai) Paruppu Usili

How to Prepare

1. Peel and finely chop the bottle gourd (sorakkai). Steam the chopped bottle gourd until tender, about 10 minutes. Set aside.
2. Grind the soaked and drained toor dal, chana dal, red chilies, asafoetida, and salt into a coarse paste without adding water.
3. Steam the dal paste in a greased plate or idli mold for 10-12 minutes until cooked. Let it cool slightly.
4. Crumble the steamed dal mixture into small pieces using your hands or a fork.
5. Heat oil in a large pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add urad dal, curry leaves, and green chilies. Sauté for a minute.
6. Add the crumbled dal mixture to the pan. Stir-fry on medium heat for 5-7 minutes until it turns slightly golden and aromatic.
7. Add the steamed bottle gourd to the pan. Mix well to combine with the dal mixture. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Adjust salt if needed. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves if desired. Serve hot with rice and sambar.