Step 1

Drain the soaked masoor dal/ brown lentils and cook/pressure cook it with 1 cup of water, turmeric and a teaspoon of salt until soft

Step 2

In a cooking pot heat the oil and add all the whole spices. When they turn fragrant, add the ginger, garlic and chilies and fry until fragrant. Next add onions and cook until they are soft and translucent

Step 3

Add the tomatoes and cook until mushy. Tip in all the spice powders (except garam masala), salt* along with ½ cup of water, cook until oil separates from this masala

Step 4

Then pour in the cooked dal and mix well. Simmer for 7-10 minutes - add more water if you need to adjust the dal's consistency

Step 5

Once your dal is a thick, luscious, turn the flame off add the lemon juice and sprinkle over garam masala, ghee and coriander. Mix well

Step 6

Serve the masoor dal masala hot along with some rice or roti, with some lime wedges on the side or just as is with some chopped onions. Enjoy!