Chana dal with Ghiya( Oposquash with lentils)- Gluten Free

Ingredients:

1. Chana Dal - 1 cup
2. Water - 6 Cups
3. Salt 1 1/2 tsp
4. Tumeric 1 tsp
5. Oposquash( Ghiya) - Peel and cut in cubes - 2 cups

For Tempering:

1. Onion - 1 small  finely chopped.
2. Oil  or Butter -1 Tbsp
3. Ginger - 1 inch - peeled and grated
4. Garlic - 4-6 Pods finely chopped
5. Red chilli powder-  1 tsp
6. Green Serrano peppers- 1 finely chopped
7. Dry Whole red Chillies - 3-4
8. Cilantro- Finely chopped to garnish
9. Garam Masala - 1 tsp
10. Asaefoetida - 1/8 tsp
11. Cumin seeds - 1tsp
12. Tomatoes - 1 big or 2 small finely chopped.

Method:

1. Turn on the heat.
2. In a pressure cooker, add chana dal, water, salt , tumeric, oposquash. Pressure cook for 3-5 whistles. Turn down the heat and let it cook for 3-4 minutes more. Turn off the heat. Let it cool on its own.
3. Do not open the pressure cooker while it still has steam. It will slowly release the steam on its own.Remember the cooking process is still going on while the steam is there.
4. In another pan , warm the oil , add asaefodida, cumin seeds and Dry whole red chillies.
5. Once the cumin seeds start turning golden , add chopped onion . let it cook till it becomes translucent. Now add ginger  ,garlic  and green serrano peppers.
6. When these become golden in color, add chopped tomatoes, red chilli powder and let it cook till all tomotoes are fully cooked and the mixture leaves oil. the tempering is ready. Turn off the heat.
7. Once the pressure cooker cools down, open the pressure cooker and take out the dal in a serving bowl. Add the tempering on the top and slowing stir it in .
8. Garnish it with cilantro and garam masala powder.
9. You may have this dal with Rice, Chapati or naan.

Note: You may enjoy it as a very healthy soup accompanied by your choice of bread.