Lauki Chana Dal

Recipe: Light, Nutritious & Easy One Pot Meal

Quick Summary

Lauki’s got a worse reputation than pineapple on pizza, but this dal might change your mind. This one-pot lauki chana dal curry is light, filling, and full of flavour, without any of the usual sogginess or blandness associated with the vegetable. It’s easy on the stomach and quick to make, making it perfect for busy days when nutrition and time are of the essence. If you’re ready to stop scrolling and start cooking, this is the curry to try.

Deep Dive

Lauki chana dal is one of those gut-friendly meals that quietly does everything right: it’s filling without being heavy, made from ingredients that are pantry staples and readily available, and the best part is, it comes together in one pot. It’s the kind of dish that works whether you're cooking for yourself after a long day or putting together a quick, nutritious lunch. The bottle gourd (lauki) is light, while the chana dal adds thickness with ample protein and nutrients. Add a few spices, and you’ve got a delicious curry that’s both balanced and comforting.

The Ingredients And What They Do

Lauki (bottle gourd) gets a bad rap for being bland, but it’s the secret weapon in light, healthy cooking. Its high water content keeps the curry from feeling heavy, while its mild flavour soaks up spices well. Chana dal packs protein and does not go mushy, adding texture to the dal, pairing well against the soft lauki perfectly. Onions and tomatoes build a flavour base with natural sweetness and acidity. The fresh ginger and green chillies control how spicy the dal is, with the rest of the spices balancing out the whole dish.

Spices That Keep It Light

The spice blend in this curry is simple and does the trick quite well, like Santa’s elves. The dal relies on a simple, well-chosen spice mix that adds flavour without heaviness. Cumin seeds crackle in the oil, releasing a warm and earthy aroma that forms the base. Turmeric powder adds the signature golden colour with a subtle flavour, while the red chilli powder adds the heat that can be adjusted. Asafoetida (hing) packs a punch and helps with digestion. The star here is the Aashirvaad Shahi Garam Masala, added towards the end to tie the whole lauki chana dal curry.

One-Pot Method, Simple Steps

The pressure cooker method is a time-saver and an amazing flavour booster for your dal. First, the cumin seeds crackle in hot oil, then onions, ginger, and chillies join to build the flavour base. Tomatoes and spices go in next, cooking down until the oil separates, which is a sign that the masala is ready. Then the soaked chana dal and chopped lauki are added along with salt and water. After a couple of whistles, the curry is tender, aromatic, and perfectly cooked. This one-pot approach means less fuss, fewer dishes, and a flavour-packed meal.

Lauki Chana Dal Recipe

(Makes 4 servings)

Ingredients

3-4 cups chopped lauki (bottle gourd)

1/2 cup split chana dal

2 medium onions, finely chopped

4 medium tomatoes, finely chopped

2 green chillies, chopped

2-inch ginger, finely chopped

1 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder

1 teaspoon Aashirvaad Shahi Garam Masala

2 pinch hing (asafoetida), optional

1 1/2 cup water (for pressure cooking)

3-4 tablespoons oil or ghee

2-3 tablespoons coriander leaves, chopped 

Salt as required

Method

1. Wash the chana dal until the water runs clear. Soak the dal for 30-45 minutes before cooking. Drain the water and keep it aside. 

2. Heat oil in a pressure cooker. Add the cumin and let it crackle, then add the onions and saute, until they become translucent.

3. Next, add the ginger and green chillies and saute for 10-15 seconds. Add the tomatoes and all the dry spice powders. Sauté again until the tomatoes are soft. Keep cooking until the oil starts separating from the masala. 

4. Add the soaked chana dal to the pressure cooker and mix. Add the chopped lauki and salt as per your taste. Then pour the desired level of water and mix.

5. Seal the pressure cooker and cook on high heat for 4-5 whistles. 

6. Open the cooker to check, and if it’s too watery, simmer without the lid until it dries. 

7. Add the chopped coriander leaves and stir. You can garnish the dal with the coriander too. 

When To Serve It

Lauki Chana Dal is a good pick for when a light but filling meal is needed, but fast. It works well for a no-fuss weekday lunch or an easy dinner recipe when nothing heavy is wanted. Its mild flavours make it a good choice for all ages, and especially when you want something that is kind to the stomach. Serve it with plain rice or chapati, and you’ve got a simple, comforting meal that’s as healthy as it is satisfying.

Leftovers And Storage Tips

This curry stores well and often tastes better the next day as the flavours deepen. Store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a little water, especially if you dal it thick, to loosen the curry if needed. You can also freeze the dal, just thaw overnight and warm through. Proper storage helps keep the lauki soft but not mushy, and the dal creamy without drying out, making it perfect for batch cooking or quick meals later.

A Curry That Holds Its Own

This curry isn’t just quick and light, it’s adaptable. The dal is perfect for whether you’re cooking for recovery, eating clean, or just short on time. You can swap and adjust the spices, chillies, or cook it slowly in a kadhai instead of a cooker. It works because it doesn’t demand much from your pantry or your time, and still gives you a proper meal. It takes minimal effort, no waste, and gives you something warm on the table in under an hour.