Tetor Dal / Bitter Gourd Lentil Soup

From childhood, I loved the bitter taste of Uchhe as we call in Bengali or Karela/Bitter Gourd. I remember my ma used to make Uchhe and Aloo makha almost every single day, and I used to love it. She sometimes used to make this Tetor Dal ( Bitter Gourd Lentil Soup) which I make often to incorporate this vegetable in our diet. We enjoy this Bengali Dal with plain white rice and Papad on the side.

 

Ingredients : Tetor Dal/Bitter Gourd Lentil Soup

• 1 cup Moong Dal
• 1 medium Uchhe / Bitter Gourd
• 1/2 inch Ginger
• 1/2 tsp Radhuni / Wild Celery Seed
• 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder

 

I use Moong Dal, I think you can even use Masoor Dal/Red Lentils. Dry roast the dal and then boil the dal. Meanwhile cut the Bitter Gourd into thin round slices, season them with salt.

In a wok. heat oil and fry the Bitter Gourd slices for few minutes. Make a paste of the Radhuni spice and the Ginger, add to the fried Bitter Gourd, next add the turmeric and cook for few more minutes. Add the cooked dal, water and mix them well. Adjust the taste with salt and very little sugar.