Arhar Dal

This one is for Purple Haze! Although I feel that the toor dal is one of the most versatile of the lot, this is the way I normally make it. Try it.

Ingredients:

1 cup toor or arhar dal (yellow lentils)1, washed and soaked in water
2 medium sized tomatoes, finely chopped
2 medium sized onions, finely chopped
1 1/2 tsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/4 tsp red chilli powder
2 tbsp ghee
1 pinch asafoetida
Salt to taste

Method:

1. Add the chopped tomatoes, salt and turmeric powder to the dal and pressure cook it until done.
2. Heat ghee in a non-stick pan. Add the asafoetida and cumin seeds.
3. Wait until the cumin seeds change colour to deep brown (not black, keep in mind!)
4. Add the chopped onions and saute until golden brown.
5. Add the ginger-garlic paste and saute until the paste becomes one with the rest.
6. Add the red chilli powder and make sure it changes colour to bright orange.
7. Add the cooked dal and bring to a boil.
8. Garnish with chopped green coriander and serve with chappatis or rice.

Secret tip to impress: Add a tsp full of ghee to the bowl of dal and cover it with a lid, just before you serve it.