Step 1

Rinse the lentils well until the water is clear and drain in colander. Tip: If using other yellow lentils instead of red lentils, then soaking in water for about an hour will help.

Step 2

In a medium cooking pot take the drained red lentils, chopped onions, chopped tomatoes, sliced garlic, turmeric, water and bring it to a boil.

Step 3

Lower the heat and cook it for about 30 minutes. Add salt to taste and continue to cook until most lentils start breaking down, become a bit mushy and turn into a thick sauce like consistency.

Step 4

Cook the dal until it reaches a consistency that is thinner than what is desired, because it will thicken further after cooking.

Step 5

Heat oil or ghee in a heavy bottomed sauce pan. Place your palm three inches above the oil and when it is hot enough, add cumin seeds.

Step 6

When the seeds start to splutter, add dried red chillies and curry leaves. Sauté a little bit and then add the chopped ginger and garlic.

Step 7

Sauté few minutes and then add chopped shallots and cook until translucent. Then add chopped tomatoes and cook until softened.

Step 8

Next add green chilies, turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala and kasuri methi. Stir and turn off the heat. Don’t let the spices burn.

Step 9

Then add most of the tempered spice oil, and half the chopped cilantro into the cooked dal, stir and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 10

Transfer the dal into a serving dish. Add the remaining tempering, cilantro and ghee on the top. Serve with steamed rice.

Step 11

Heat oil or ghee in a heavy bottomed sauce pan. Place your palm three inches above the oil and when it is hot enough, add mustard seeds and cumin seeds.

Step 12

When the seeds start to splutter, add the sliced garlic and sauté a little bit. Then add the dried red chillies and curry leaves. Sauté everything until garlic turns a light tan color and curry leaves are cooked.

Step 13

Turn off the heat and add most of the tempered spice oil, and half the chopped cilantro into the cooked dal, stir and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 14

Transfer the dal into a serving dish. Add the remaining tempering, cilantro and ghee on the top. Serve with steamed rice.