Snake gourd lentil curry, or Podalanga kootu, is one of the most traditional dishes of Tamil cuisine. Every Tamil household has their version of it.

Through generations of family recipes passed down, we hold a part of our cultural identity. Our food, even with its variations, brings us together.

To make it:

• Boil your moong dal with turmeric powder and water, until soft and fluffy
• In a pan, saute some mustard seeds, chopped onion, garlic, tomatoes, green chilles and chopped snake gourd with oil.
• Fry until the bottle gourd is 3/4^th cooked, and add the cooked dal.
• Let this simmer until it all comes together and garnish with some grated coconut.

Podalanga kootu is super yummy. Pair it with some rice and Sambhar, and you’ve got yourself a whole damn meal!