Lauki Tomato Dal ( Bottle Ground Tomato Dal)

Ingredients:

Toor Dal - 1 cup
Lauki (Bottle Ground) - 1/2 cup ( cubed)
Tomatoes - 1/2 cup ( diced)
Tamarind - 1/2 small lemon size
Green chillies - 2 or 3 ( as per taste)
Salt - as per taste
Red Chilli Powder - 1 tsp
Turmeric Powder - 1/2 tsp
Cilantro - for garnish

For tempering:
Oil - 1 tbsp
Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
Dried Red chillies - 1 (broken into pieces)
Garlic - 2 cloves (optional)
Asafoetida - 1/2 tsp
Curry leaves - 8 to 10

Procedure:

1. Pressure cook the dal with enough quantity of water along with green chillies, lauki and tomatoes. (or) In a pan take dal and water. When the dal is just about the verge of being done add the lauki first and cook till lauki pieces become little transparent. Then add green chillies and tomatoes and continue cooking for another 10 min.
2. After the dal is cooked put that on the stove and add salt, chilli powder, turmeric and tamarind and continue to cook for about 5 to 7 min.
3. Mean while in a small pan take oil for tempering. Once the oil is hot enough add mustard seeds, once they start to splutter add dried red chillies, garlic (optional) and asafoetida. Fry till the garlic turns little brown. Add the curry leaves.
4. Add this tempering to the dal and garnish with cilantro. Serve with rice or roti.