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 (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

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.

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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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