Squash 'n Lentil
(chayote squash
in split green peas gravy)
This is a quick,
easy, mild and flavorful recipe. Chayote squash is cooked in split green
peas also called moong dal which is nothing but split green moong beans.
It is usually prepared mild and less spicy but could be made spicy by adding
more chilies. It is usually had mixed along with plain white cooked rice
or as a side dish with tortillas.
Ingredients:(* means available in Indian grocery stores)
- *1 cup split
green peas (moong dal)
- 1 small Chayote
squash peeled and cubed
- 2 green chilies
chopped
- *1/4 teaspoon
turmeric powder
- 2 teaspoons
salt or to taste
Optional:
- 2 tablespoons
fresh grated coconut
- *1 tsp. cumin seeds
- *1/4 teaspoon
black mustard seeds
- 1 tablespoon
oil or clarified butter
- A sprig
of cilantro finely chopped
Method:
- Cook the split
green peas in about 3 cups of water till it is 1/2 cooked. This should take
about 15 min.
- Now add the
turmeric powder, salt, chopped squash, green chilies and cook further till
the split green peas is completely cooked along with the squash and the whole
dish comes together as a thick gravy.
- Remove from
heat and serve.
Optional Steps:
- Grind the
fresh grated coconut, cumin to a fine paste adding enough water and add
this to the cooked split pea gravy..
- Heat the
oil or clarified butter and add the mustard seeds. When the mustard seeds
start to pop turn off the heat and pour this over the cooked squash and
split peas mix and mix in well.
- Add chopped
cilantro, mix in and serve.