Wash and soak ½ cup of chana dal in water for an hour. Wash and cut ½ kg turai (ridge gourd) into small pieces about 1 inch in size.

Fry 1.5 tsp of cumin seeds and 1 piece of small bay leaf in 2 tbsp of mustard oil on a medium flame for half a minute in a pressure cooker. Add 1 piece of ginger (2 inch in size, finely chopped) and 3 pieces of green chilies, chopped finely as well.

Then add 1 piece of onion (medium size, finely chopped). Fry until soft. Add and fry ½ tsp of garlic paste for a minute.

Then add ½ cup of tomato paste and mix nicely on a medium to high flame. Cook until the oil separates.

Mix ½ tsp of turmeric powder, ½ tsp of coriander powder, ½ tsp of red chili powder and ¼ tsp of garam masala powder on a low flame. Add and mix the soaked chana dal.

Add the roughly diced turai to the dal. Cook for 2 minutes.

Mix 1 tsp of salt. Then add 1 cup of water. Cover the lid and cook for 2 to 3 whistles on a medium to high flame.

Check the doneness and add 1 tbsp of finely chopped coriander leaves.

Your healthy and tasty homemade turai chana dal is ready.