Bottle Gourd Soup

Method

1. 1

   Keep 2 cups bottle gourd cubes and the rest of the ingredients ready before you start.

2. 2

   Heat the butter or oil in a heavy pot and sauté the onion until soft and translucent.

3. 3

   Cook the gourd with moong dal and mash lightly — no blender needed for this gentle, everyday soup.

4. 4

   Pour in the stock, bring to a gentle simmer and cook until everything is tender; season with salt and pepper.

5. 5

   Ladle the bottle gourd soup into bowls and serve piping hot with a wedge of lemon or toasted bread.