Steamed Moong Dal and Bottle Gourd Khichu

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A traditional Gujarati steamed snack made from split green gram (moong dal) and tender bottle gourd, flavored with cumin and ginger. This indian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 40 minutes pairs split yellow moong dal, grated bottle gourd (lauki), water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1/2 cup split yellow moong dal thoroughly and soak in 2 cups water for 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Drain moong dal and blend with 1 cup grated bottle gourd, 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 tsp ginger paste, 1 finely chopped green chili, and 1 tsp salt into a coarse batter.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan over medium heat and add the batter, stirring continuously for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and gradually add 1/2 cup rice flour, mixing well to form a smooth dough.
  5. Step 5: Divide the dough into small portions and shape into discs, then steam for 15 minutes at 212°F (100°C) until firm and cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander leaves before serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Steamed Moong Dal and Bottle Gourd Khichu take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Steamed Moong Dal and Bottle Gourd Khichu?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep split yellow moong dal from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Steamed Moong Dal and Bottle Gourd Khichu?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Steamed Moong Dal and Bottle Gourd Khichu for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Steamed Moong Dal and Bottle Gourd Khichu vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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