Kumbalanga -Parippu Curry | Ash Gourd-Lentil Curry

Winter melon also called ash gourd or the white gourd.Winter melon usually prevalent in summers and a good source to replenish our water content of our body.This is a preparation of my MIL and I always cherished this recipe (one of my hubby's fav too).I think majority of us like the combo of dal rather than the plain one and this is one of the favorite combos after dal -spinach.Another beautiful way to make kids eat as well.Try & enjoy !!!

Ingredients
lentil 1/3 cup
winter melon 2 cups cube sized
garlic pods 3

turmeric powder 1/2 tsp

salt

tamarind 1 amla size or yogurt 1/2 cup

to grind
coconut 4tbsp or 1/2 cup grated
cumin seeds 1tsp
chilly powder 1 tsp
garlic cloves 3

for tempering
vattalmulakku / red dry chilli 3
mustard seeds 1 tsp
curry leaves
oil 2tsp



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Method

• Soak the lentil in water for 1 hour after washing. Put the winter melon and lentils together in a pressure cooker and cook for 1 whistle, adding chilly powder, garlic pods turmeric powder and salt.

OR just wash and add lentils to cooker. And pressure-cook for 3 whistles if not soaking. 

• Peel the skin of winter melon and cut into cubes and keep aside.
• Open the lid of the cooker after pressure is released. Add the ash gourd or kumbalanga pieces and pressure-cook again on high for 1 whistle.
  
• In the meantime, grind the garlic pods, coconut, cumin seeds to a fine paste by adding little water.
• Add the ground paste to the cooked dal and ash gourd mix. Let this simmer for 5 minutes.
• Simmer the heat and add the yogurt (after whisking) or add tamarind extract. Wait to thicken the curry consistency. Switch off flame
• Place a non-stick pan or tadka pan and temper the dal using red chilly, mustard and curry leaves. Pour over the curry and leave covered till serving.

Servings 3 adults

TIPS

- You can cook both lentil and winter melon separately, if you don't wish the winter melon to be cooked thoroughly.

Finally, I would like to thank http://karaikudicuisine.blogspot.com/2011/05/my-first-award.html for passing me this lovely award.




Wishing all a great weekend too!!!!