Kaddu Dalcha (bottlegourd lentil soup)

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot and add cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
2. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
3. Add ginger garlic paste and sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
4. Add chopped tomatoes, green chilies, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook until tomatoes are soft.
5. Add diced bottlegourd and mix well with the masala.
6. Drain the soaked toor dal and add it to the pot along with water. Stir well.
7. Cover and cook on medium heat until the dal and bottlegourd are tender, about 30 minutes.
8. Add garam masala and curry leaves. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
9. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Prep

• Soak toor dal in water for at least 1 hour.