Snakegourd masala

Ingredients:
=============
1/2 cup Chana dal
1 tsp Cumin seeds
few curry leaves(chopped)
few Green chillies
1 tbsp Gun powder
pinch Hing(optional)
1 tsp Mustard seeds
1/2 cup Onion(chopped)
few Red chilli
to taste Salt
1 large Snake Gourd
1/2 tsp Turmeric

1. Slit open the snake gourd & remove the seeds.Cut it into small pieces.
2.Along with this boil chana dal till its partially cooked.After its half-cooked add snake gourd & pinch of salt.Allow it to boil till the gourd is tender & cooked.
3. On the other side,take a non stick pan & put oil in it.When it is hot add red chillies,mustard seeds,cumin seeds & onions.Add turmeric,hing(optional),green chillies,chopped curry leaves & saute all well.
4.Once chana & gourd mixture is 3/4 cooked add it to the tempering in the pan . Toss it till remaining water evaporates.Once it becomes a dry mixture add the gunpowder of your choice . (Note:-Chana dal shouldnot get mashed during the boiling process & any excess of water in the mixture should be strained out before adding to the tempering)
5. Toss the mixture well.Add salt (if required)
6.Serve it with rotis/rice