Wash the red lentil thoroughly under running water. Drain.
Heat a pressure cooker on medium heat and add ghee to it.
Add minced garlic followed by finely chopped onion.
Saute for about a minute.
Next add the washed and drained red lentil and bottle gourd pieces.
Stir fry everything for a minute or so.
Next add 1 cup water to a pressure cooker. Cover and allow to cook for 2 whistles. Put off the flame.
Allow the pressure to release on its own.
Now using a hand blender or food processor puree the cooked red lentil and bottle gourd soup.
Add more water to it if the puree is thick. Heat the soup until it boils. Put off the flame. Add black pepper powder and serve the soup while warm. You may add ghee or homemade butter to the soup as well.