A plug for my local Indian Grocer

When you own a fairly large ethnic grocery store about 15 miles the closest comparable store, you pretty much have a monopoly market. This often results in poor quality, higher prices and a lack of creativity. This really is not the case with Bhavik Grocery located in Elmford, NY on Rte 119. The store moved to its current location last year - a much larger, spacious location. I have to confess that he might have done some adjustments in pricing to account for the enhanced rent, but overall you will love shopping in the more roomier space. This past weekend I went with my daughter to replenish my supplies, I bought her mango ice cream and got myself some of the spice tea while shopping. His store offers a good selection of spices as well as an interesting selection such as green bananas, green mangoes, ethnic squashes and a huge assortment of chutneys, flours and spices. On most days, along with the staff you will find family members vigilantly making sure that your needs are met - usually the owner Mr. Sanchala or his wife or even his charming father.

His store offers a good selection of spices as well as an interesting selection such as green bananas, green mangoes, ethnic squashes and a huge assortment of chutneys, flours and spices.

I collected most of the things that I needed, I was out of red chillies, curry leaves, lentils and tamarind. I then wanted my daughter to experiment so I asked her to pick something different. She thought some and then decided to get a pretty young green bottle gourd.

I brought that home and cooked this with lentils in a thick puree. I add in some raisins for good measure. We all liked it include her brother - Mr fussy!

If you do not have the bottle gourd (lau) available, you can substitute it with young zucchini.

Lau Makha - Thick and creamy lentil and bottle gourd puree

Serves 6

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

1 small and tender bottle gourd (about 3/4 lbs)

1 cup yellow moong lentils

1 tomato finely chopped

1 teaspoon turmeric

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon ghee

1/2 teaspoon nigella seeds (kalonji or kalo jira)

1 teaspoon grated ginger

2 dried red chillies

1 tablespoon raisins

Method of Preparation

1. Peel and grate the bottle gourd.

2. Place the bottle gourd with the lentils and tomatoes in a pressure cooker.

3. Mix in the turmeric and salt and cook for 10 minutes.

4. Cool and remove the lid, you should have a smooth thick lentil puree.

5. Heat the ghee and add the nigella seeds and wait till the seeds sizzle.

6. Add in the ginger and the red chillies and saute for 1-2 minutes.

7. Mix in the lentils and raisins and enjoy!