Method

1. Heat a kadai or heavy-bottom pan on medium heat.
2. Add oil. Once hot, add mustard seeds and allow them to crackle.
3. Add cumin seeds, hing powder, and whole dry chilies. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
4. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
5. Add the soaked chana dal along with ½ cup water. Mix well, cover, and cook for 4–5 minutes until the dal is partially cooked but still has a slight bite.
6. Add the cubed dudhi (lauki) to the pan.
7. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, goda masala, jaggery, and salt. Mix thoroughly.
8. Cover and cook until the bottle gourd becomes tender and the dal is fully cooked.
9. If required, add a little water during cooking to maintain the desired consistency.
10. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
11. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Dudhi Dal Bhaji.

Recipe Notes:

• Use freshly peeled bottle gourd for the best texture and flavor.
• Soaking chana dal helps it cook evenly and improves digestibility.
• Goda masala adds authentic Maharashtrian flavor to this lauki chana dal recipe.
• Adjust the consistency by adding more water if serving with rice.
• This healthy Maharashtrian vegetable curry tastes even better after resting for a few minutes.