Tetor Dal ~ Mung Dal cooked with Bitter Gourd

Tetor Dal or Lentil cooked with bitter gourd, is a unique delicacy of Bengali cuisine. It's a custom among bengalis to eat something green(saag/saak) or something bitter at the beginning of Lunch meal. It's said that it helps in digestion and everyone knows the huge health benefits Bitter Gourd has.
This lentil is very interesting in taste even though it is cooked with bitter gourd it is not so bitter in taste. Who don't like bitter gourd, they will surely like this dal, I guarantee you.There are many versions of this dal available, like some uses mustard seeds, some uses fenugreek seeds, some roast dal before cooking. You can try any of these, the taste doesn't differ much, but you'll love this dal that I'm sure.

Ingredients :

Split yellow moong dal : 1 cup
Bitter gourd : 2 (cut into thin rings)
Bottle gourd : 1 cup (finely chopped)
Dry red chilli : 1
Fenugreek seed(methi) : 1 tsp.
Turmeric Powder : 1 tsp.
Ginger(grated) : 1 tblsp.
Green chilli : 1 or 2(slitted)
Salt to taste
Oil : 2 tblsp.

Method :

• Wash and soak the dal in enough water for 1/2 an hour, then prssure cook the dal with a pinch of turmeric, salt and bottle gourd pieces for 2 whistles. Or you can cook the dal in pan adding bottle gourd, salt and turmeric in 21/2 cup of water. When done, add 1 cup hot water in it, mix and keep aside.
• Heat oil in a pan, fry bitter gourd rings with a pinch of salt and turmeric until they are light brown on both sides. Keep aside.
• In the same oil, temper with dry red chilli, fenugreek seed, wait for 30 secs., when seeds start to splutter, add grated ginger and green chillies. Stir for 30 seconds,then add cooked dal in it. Mix well. Add fried bitter gourd pieces in the dal.
• Bring to boil and cook for another 5 minutes. Check the seasoning. Add a drop of ghee over the dal and remove from heat.
• Serve with hot white rice and other veggie dishes. Enjot the comfort of this simple meal. Just divine I say..........................