Sanjivani Opo Squash with Chana Dal

Health Benefits:

Sanjivani Opo Squash with Chana Dal is a diabetes-friendly recipe made with Opo squash, Chana dal, and with special Indian spices. Chana dal helps to reduce the bad cholesterol and manage the blood sugar level and is an excellent source of protein, iron and fibers. Low in calories, low in saturated fats and cholesterol, Opo squash is very beneficial for patients with diabetes and high blood pressure.

Ingredients:

• Opo squash , diced-2 cups
• Chana dal , soaked and pressure cooked-1 cup
• Tomato , diced-½ cup
• Onions , diced-½ cup (optional)
• Garlic , crushed-1 teaspoon(optional)

Spices:

• Cumin seeds -1 teaspoon
• Green chilies , finely chopped-4 teaspoon
• Ginger , ground-1 teaspoon
• Asafetida -¼ teaspoon
• Black pepper , ground- a pinch
• Turmeric powder-1 teaspoon
• Sweetener of your choice-1 teaspoon (optional)
• Cilantro , finely chopped-6 to 8 strands
• Lemon juice -1 teaspoon
• Salt to taste

Liquids:

• Cooking oil/ Avocado oil -2 teaspoons
• Water-2 cups

Cooking Instructions:

1. Heat the oil in a pot. Add cumin seeds, asafetida, green chilies, ginger, black pepper, and turmeric powder.
2. Add chana dal and water, and boil the mixture for 5 minutes.
3. Now add opo squash, onions(optional) and salt to taste and pressure cook for 10 minutes.
4. Add tomatoes and garlic (optional) when the pressure cooker is safe to open and let it stay covered for another 5 minutes.
5. If desired, add sweetener of your choice at this point.
6. Add lime juice and garnish with cilantro to serve it hot with Roti/tortilla or Paratha or rice.

If using Zucchini instead of Opo squash, then cook it only for 2-3 minutes after adding the pressure cooked dal.