Ridge gourd is a very healthy vegetable. Normally we do not waste the skin also if it is tender. As it is rich in dietary fibers. We make use of it by preparing soup, curry and chutney. Again this dish should be consumed with rice and roti only. For making this soup we must use only tender skin of ridge gourd.

Ingredients:

Ridge Gourd Skin - 1 cup
Toor Dal - 1/2 cup
Salt - to taste
Red Chilli Powder - 2 tsp
Turmeric Powder - 1 tsp
Asafoetida - 1 tsp
Tamarind Juice - 1/4 cup

For Tadka:

Oil - 1 tbsp
Mustard Seeds - 1 tsp
Cumin Seeds - 1 tsp
Red Chillie - 1
Curry Leaves - 4 to 6
Coriander Leaves - fist ful

Procedure:

Pressure cook toor dal for three whistles. Keep it aside.
Chop the ridge gourd skin.
Heat oil in a pressure cooker, add all the ingredients under 'For Tadka'.
When they start spluttering add the chopped ridge gourd skin.
Add salt, turmeric powder and asafoetida. Add little water.
Add tamarind pulp. Mix well.
Cover and pressure cook for three whistles.
When cooled, add cooked toor dal and mix it well.
Allow this to boil for a while. We can add little water, if it is thick like dal. When it starts rolling boil add red chilli powder and boil for five minutes.
If we want we can add sambar powder also to get different taste. Normally I do not add any other powders.This dish is in semi liquid consistency.
Serve ridge gourd dal with hot piping rice.