Bottle gourd/suraikkai kootu
Bottle gourd /surakkai  kootu is a  south indian cuisine side dish made with a low calorie vegetable bottle gourd and protein rich lentils.This is a low calorie healthy diet.
Ingredients:
bottle gourd/suraikkai    -1
Chana dal/Bengal gram   -1/2 cup
shallots               -4 -5 finely chopped
Mustard seeds          -1/4 tsp
Urad dhal/split black gram-1/2 tsp
Cumin seeds           -1/2 tsp
Whole red chili          -3-4
Curry leaves           – few
Salt                  – to tasteÂ
hing                  -pinch
Shredded coconut       -1 tbsp
Oil                   -2 tsp
Preparation time:10 min
Cooking time    :40 min
Method:
- In a pressure cooker cook chana dhal / Bengal gram in a cup of water for a whistle.
- By that time peel and dice the bottle gourd into cubes.
- Once the pressure goes off add the cubed bottle gourd and pressure cook again for a whistle.
                                   
- In a pan heat oil and allow mustard seeds to splutter.Then temper with urad dhal,cumin seeds,whole red chili,curry leaves ,hing and turmeric.
- Fry the shallots until transparent.
- Once the pressure goes off open the cooker and pour the tempering into it.
- Cook for 3 minutes and add the shredded coconut to it.
- Serve as a side with Rice/Chapathi
Serves  3