Lauki pulao / Lau-er pulao

This is purely experimental. Wanted to try something new and this is what I came up with. 

Ingredients:

• Rice                              - 1 cup(Preferably Basmati)
• Lauki(bottle gourd)  - 1 medium sized(300-400 grams) 
• Moong daal badi       - 1/2 cup(also known as mangori, available in Indian stores)
• Curry leaves               - 8-10
• Green chilli                - 4(cut into halves, lengthwise)
• Red chilli                    - 2-3
• Ginger                         - 1 tsp(grated or thinly sliced)
• Jeera(Cumin)            - 1 tsp
• Rai(Black mustard)  - 1 tsp
• Turmeric powder      - 1/2 tsp
• Oil                                - 1 Tbsp
• Salt                               - to taste
• Grated coconut          - for garnishing

Method:

1. Wash the rice. Soak in water for 30 mins.

2. Peel the lauki. Cut into small cubes of 1/2 inch.

2. Heat 1 tsp oil in a pan. Fry the badis till brownish in color. Remove from pan and place in kitchen towel.

3. Add the remaining oil in the pan. 
4. Temper with jeera and rai. When spluttering starts add red chilli, grated ginger, green chilli and curry leaves. Saute for 30 seconds.

5. Add lauki and saute for few minutes.

6. Add turmeric powder and saute for another minute.
7. Add rice. Mix well. Cook for another few minutes till the mix is no more watery(if at all).

8. Add the fried badis. Add salt. Mix well.

9. Add 2 cups of water. Give a gentle stir. Cover with a lid and cook till rice get fully cooked and water dries up.
10. Garnish with grated coconut. Serve hot with pickle and side of your choice.