Bottle Gourd /Lauki/Churakka Sambar

Bottle gourd is rich in vitamins B&C,potassium,sodium and iron.Since it has low fat and cholesterol level,it is consumed as juice to aid in weight loss.It is very popular for reducing blood pressure and keeping your heart healthy.So why don't you try this tasty and healthy dish?

 

BOTTLE GOURD SAMBAR

Here goes the recipe:

Ingredients:

• Bottle gourd(Churakka) -1 no (diced) 
  
• Toor dal/tuvara parippu-1/2 cup
• Small onion-10 no
• Garlic-2cloves
• Tomato-1(finely chopped)
• Green chilies-3-4no
• Turmeric powder-1/4 tsp
• Coriander powder-2tsp
• Chilly powder-1tsp(as per your tolerance level)
• Asafoetida /kayam powder-1/2 tsp
• Tamarind-lemon size
• Salt to taste

For Seasoning:

• Oil-as required
• Mustard seeds-1/2 tsp
• Cumin seeds-1/4 tsp
• Fenugreek seeds-1/4tsp 
• Dry red chilies-2no
• Curry leaves-2 stalks
• Coriander leaves-chopped 2 stalks 

 

CHURAKKA SAMBAR

Method:

•  Peel off the skin.Cut it into half lengthwise.Scoop the seeds and wash it.Chop it into medium size cubes.
• Soak tamarind in 1/2 cup warm water for 10 minutes and extract the juice.
• Remove the skin of small onion and keep it aside. 
• Heat oil in a pan and add small onions,green chilies,garlic and saute for few minutes.Add chopped churakka to this and saute it again.Add salt,curry leaves.
• Add 1/2 cup of water to this and bring it to a boil.Close the lid and reduce the heat cook until it is done.
• Wash toor dal and pressure cook with water just to immerse the dal.Add turmeric,asfoetida/kayam,salt and cook till dal is done.Let it cool down.Remove the lid and add tomato pieces to this.Let it cook for few more minutes.
• Add cooked churakka mix to this and mix well.Add tamarind extract also.Let it boil again.
• Heat oil in a pan.Splutter mustard seeds,fenugreek seeds,cumin seeds.Then add one finely chopped small onion, dry red chilies,curry leaves.Reduce the heat and add coriander,chilly powders to this and stir well.Pour this into the churakka-dal mix.Add chopped coriander leaves.Bring it to a boil.Turn off heat and close the lid.Keep covered for at least half an hour.Sambar is Ready.

 

CHURRAKKA SAMBAR

 

Serve it warm as a side dish with plain Rice,Dosa,Idli...... 

Happy Cooking!!!

 

LOTUS