Step 1

Wash lentils till the water runs clear

Step 2

Add the lentils, spices and water to a medium-sized stockpot, and bring to a quick boil

Step 3

Bring the heat down and let the daal simmer

Step 4

When the lentils have absorbed the water (after about 10 minutes), stir the daal with a wooden spoon, pushing it down to achieve desired consistency

Step 5

Add 1-2 cups of hot water (depending on how thin or thick you want your daal to be), stir to mix and let it simmer for another 5 – 10 minutes (again, depending on the consistency you want)

Step 6

To prepare the tadka, in a frying pan heat 4 tbsp of oil. Add chopped onion and fry on medium heat till it’s golden brown

Step 7

Place daal in serving bowl and pour over the tadka with the oil