Snake Gourd and Split Gram Dal Thoran

Gourds are high in fibre and commonly used in Ayurveda diets to help purify blood tissue, enhance digestion and stimulate the liver.

Ingredients:
Snake Gourd - 250gms
Split Gram Dal- 1/4cup
Coconut gratings - 3tbsp
Green chillies - 2 finely chopped
Shallots - 8-10 finely chopped
Garlic - 2pods
Turmeric Powder- 1/4tsp
Cumin Powder - 1/4tsp
Mustard seeds - 1/2tsp
Curry Leaves - 2 sprigs
Dry Red Chilli - 1
Salt to taste

Cook dal in one cup of boiling water.Drain and keep aside. Scrape off the skin, remove the pith and seeds of the snake gourd and cut into tiny cubes. Grind coconut, chillies, a couple of shallots, garlic, cumin powder to a coarse wet paste. Place the snake gourd into a non stick pan with the masala in the middle. Pour about 1/4cup water, cover and cook till the gourd is tender and the mixture is dry. Mix the reserved dal into it. Temper the mustard seeds, curry leaves and shallots. Add the dry red chilli and fry for a couple of seconds and pour over the thoran.