DODHAKIYON JO SAAG – TIKHO / DUDHI MOONGA JI DAR
(Bottle Gourd with Split Green Gram – Spicy)
Recipe Overview
Dodhakiyon jo Tikho Saag, also known as Dudhi Moonga ji Dar, is a spiced Thathai Bhatia
preparation of bottle gourd and split green gram (moong dal). Cooked gently with minimal
water and finished with tangy and aromatic flavours, this dish is both comforting and
nutritious. It can be prepared in a curry-like consistency or adapted into a drier sabzi
style. Unlike the mild Mitho version, this dish has a sharper, tangy, and slightly
spicy flavour profile, enhanced with green chillies and dried spices.
Recipe Details
– Cuisine: Thathai Bhatia / Sindhi
– Course: Main / Vegetable-Lentil
– Preparation Time: 1 hour (soaking)
– Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
– Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
– Serves: 3–4
Ingredients
– Bottle gourd (dudhi / lauki) – 1 no. (medium-sized)
– Split green gram lentil (moong dal)– ¼ cup
– Oil – 2 tbsp.
– Asafoetida – a pinch
– Green chillies – 3 nos. (chopped)
– Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp.
– Salt – to taste
– Raw mango powder – ½ tsp.
– Dried coriander leaves – 1 tsp.
– Water – as required
Method
Step 1: Preparing the Lentil
– Wash and soak the split green gram lentil in water for 1 hour prior to cooking.
Step 2: Preparing the Vegetable
– Peel the bottle gourd and cut it into small rectangular pieces.
Step 3: Tempering the Base
– In a deep vessel (toap), heat oil on a medium flame.
– Add chopped green chillies and asafoetida.
– Allow the mixture to temper until the chillies begin to pop.
Step 4: Cooking the Vegetable & Lentil
– Add the chopped bottle gourd and sauté for a few minutes.
– Add the soaked split green gram lentil.
– Add salt and turmeric powder, and mix well.
Step 5: Simmering
– Add a small amount of water. (Use minimal water as the bottle gourd releases
its own moisture.)
– Cover and cook on a medium flame until both the lentil and gourd become tender.
– Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step 6: Final Flavouring
– Add dried coriander leaves and raw mango powder.
– Mix well and cook for a few more minutes to allow the flavours to blend.
Step 7: Final Step
– Adjust seasoning if required.
– Serve hot.