Turai Moong Dal (also known as Ridge Gourd Moong Dal) is a traditional and healthy Gujarati side dish that combines the mild, refreshing taste of ridge gourd with the nourishing goodness of yellow moong dal. This simple yet flavorful recipe is perfect for those who enjoy light, sattvic meals with no onions or garlic. The combination of lentils and ridge gourd is not only easy to prepare but also rich in nutrients, making it an excellent addition to any meal.
Cuisine: Gujarati
Course: Side Dish
Diet: No Onion, No Garlic (Sattvic)
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ridge gourd (Turai) | 2, peeled and chopped |
| Yellow moong dal (yellow lentils) | 1/2 cup |
| Turmeric powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Green chillies, chopped | 2 |
| Sugar | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red chilli powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Lemon juice | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fresh coriander leaves | For garnish |
| Oil (for tempering) | 1 teaspoon |
| Mustard seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions
-
Cook the Moong Dal and Ridge Gourd:
In a pressure cooker, combine the chopped ridge gourd, yellow moong dal, salt, green chillies, turmeric powder, sugar, and 1 cup of water. Close the lid of the cooker and cook for 2 whistles over medium heat. Once the second whistle has sounded, reduce the heat to low and let the dal cook for an additional 3 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. -
Prepare the Tempering:
While the dal is cooking, heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a small frying pan over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds (jeera). Let them crackle for about 15 seconds. -
Combine the Tempering with Dal:
Once the pressure has been released from the cooker, open the lid carefully. Pour the tempering (mustard and cumin seeds) into the cooked dal and mix well. -
Add Lemon Juice and Garnish:
Add the lemon juice and fresh coriander leaves to the dal. Give it a final stir to combine all the ingredients. Adjust the salt and spice levels to your liking. -
Serve:
Serve this nutritious Ridge Gourd Moong Dal alongside Palak Raita, Phulkas, and Green Gram Pulao for a wholesome and balanced Gujarati meal.
Tips
- You can adjust the consistency of the dal by adding more water if you prefer a thinner texture.
- For added flavor, you can also add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) to the tempering.
Enjoy this delightful and easy-to-make Turai Moong Dal as part of your next family meal, packed with both taste and health benefits!
