Bottle Gourd Dal (Lauki Dal / Sorakaya Pappu) Recipe

Bottle gourd dal is a simple, nutritious, and comforting South Indian dish made with bottle gourd (lauki/sorakaya) and toor dal. It is light on the stomach, rich in nutrients, and perfect to serve with hot rice and a spoon of ghee. This recipe is easy to prepare and ideal for everyday home cooking.

Bottle gourd contains high water content and essential vitamins, while toor dal provides protein, making this dish both healthy and satisfying.

Ingredients

• Bottle gourd – 2 cups (peeled and chopped)

• Toor dal – ½ cup

• Onion – 1 (finely chopped)

• Garlic – 4 cloves (crushed)

• Turmeric powder – ½ tsp

• Oil – 2 tbsp

• Mustard seeds – 1 tsp

• Cumin seeds – 1 tsp

• Salt – as required

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Cook Dal and Bottle Gourd
Wash the toor dal thoroughly and place it in a pressure cooker. Add chopped bottle gourd and turmeric powder. Add enough water and pressure cook for about 3–4 whistles until soft.

Step 2: Prepare Tempering
Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Allow them to splutter.

Step 3: Add Aromatics
Add crushed garlic and chopped onions. Sauté until the onions become soft and lightly golden.

Step 4: Combine the Dal
Add the cooked dal and bottle gourd mixture into the pan. Mix well.

Step 5: Season and Simmer
Add salt and let the dal boil for about 5 minutes so the flavors blend well.

Serving Suggestions

Bottle gourd dal tastes best when served with:

• Hot steamed rice

• A spoon of ghee

• Papad or pickle

• Vegetable stir fry

It can also be enjoyed with roti or chapati.

Shelf Life

• Room Temperature: Up to 6 hours

• Refrigerator: Up to 2 days in an airtight container