Snake gourd sabzi

Padwal Sabzi in Marathi

Time: 20 minutes
Makes: 2 to 3 servings

Ingredients:
1/4 kg fresh Snake gourd,
2-3 tbsp chana dal, Soaked for 3 hours in water
For tempering: 2 tbsp oil, 1/8 tsp mustard seeds, pinch of hing, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, 1/2 tsp red chili powder, 4-5 curry leaves
2 tbsp fresh coconut, scraped
2 kokum pieces
1 tbsp jaggery
1 tsp goda masala (optional)
Salt to taste

Method:
1) Wash snake-gourd. Trim the tips and cut the snake-gourd into halves. Scrape the core with a spoon. Remove the seeds and fibery material. Slice snake-gourd into 1/2 cm pieces (half circled pieces).
2) Heat oil into a pan. Add mustard seeds, hing, turmeric powder and red chili powder and curry leaves. Saute for 5 to 7 seconds. Add soaked chana dal. Add 2 tbsp of water. Cover and cook chana dal for 2-3 minutes.
3) Add snake gourd and 1/4 cup water. Also add kokum and salt. Cover and cook until snake-gourd is well done. Do not let the snake-gourd become dry. Add little water whenever required, while cooking the snake-gourd.
4) Once snake gourd is cooked well add jaggery, goda masala and coconut. Simmer over low heat for 3-4 minutes.
Serve hot with Chapati.