Pikkangai (Ridge Gourd) Kottu

This recipe is courtesy of Kamalacorners.com. She has awesome vegetarian recipes. Ridgegourd is good for diabetes and lower blood pressure. I usually like vegetables to be in kootu rather than plainly eating them. In America, it is also known as Chinese Okra.

Ingredients:

1) 1/2 cup Green gram dhal (split moong dhal)
2) Turmeric powder
3) Ridge gourd cut into small pieces
4) 2 tsp sambar powder
5) 1 tsp salt
6) 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
7) 1 tsp jeera
8) Curry leaves
9) Asafoetida

Method:

1)  In a thick bottomed vessel, add moong dhal , pinch of turmeric powder and pressure cook them.
2) Add ridge rourd pieces, 2 tsp sambar powder, pinch of turmeric powder and 1 tsp salt in another pan and add enough water just to cover these pieces. Cook until they are soft. Then add the cooked dhal and stir for 3 min.
3) Season with mustard seeds, jeera, pinch of asafoetida and curry leaves.