Ingredients

• 1/2 cup - masoor dal
• 1 - small onion, chopped
• 1 - medium tomato, chopped
• 1 - green chilli, chopped
• 3 - garlic cloves, chopped
• 1/2 tsp - cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp - mustard seeds
• 1/4 tsp - turmeric powder
• 1/2 cup - chopped fresh coriander leaves
• Salt to taste
• A pinch of asafoetida
• 3 or 4 tbsp - olive oil

How to Make Basic Dal

• Wash the dal and set aside.
• Heat oil in a pressure cooker and fry the onions to pink, followed by the cumin, mustard, garlic, asafoetida, chillies and turmeric.
• Fry for a minute before adding the dal.
• Fry well for 1-2 minutes and then add the tomatoes, salt and 1.5 cups water (enough to cover the dal in the cooker).
• Close the cooker and cook on high for 1 whistle.
• Turn off and wait till all the steam is out.
• Open and stir. Add water to get desired consistency.
• Garnish with coriander and serve hot with rice or roti.