Step 1

Pick and rinse arhar dal a couple of times in fresh water. Then soak the arhar dal (pigeon pea lentils) in fresh water for 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 2

Later drain all the water from the dal and keep the arhar dal aside.

Step 3

Heat oil or ghee in a stovetop pressure cooker.

Step 4

Add the mustard seeds first and let them crackle on low heat.

Step 5

Then add the cumin seeds and let them splutter.

Step 6

Add the onions, curry leaves and green chilies. Sauté the onions stirring often on low to medium-low heat till they turn translucent.

Step 7

Add the ginger-garlic paste and saute for a few seconds on a low to medium-low heat or till their raw aroma goes away.

Step 8

Now add the tomatoes, red chili powder, turmeric powder, asafoetida (hing) and salt as required. Saute for 2 to 3 minutes on a medium-low heat.

Step 9

Add the lentils and water. Stir and mix well.

Step 10

Pressure cook on high heat for 5 to 6 whistles or till the dal is cooked completely. Timing to cook dal will depend upon the quality of dal, size of pressure cooker and intensity of heat.

Step 11

When the pressure settles down, then only remove the lid.

Step 12

Mash the dal lightly. If the consistency is thick then add water as required to get a medium consistency in the dal. Stir and mix well.

Step 13

Simmer the tomato dal for 5 to 6 minutes on a low to medium-low heat till you get a dal which is neither thin nor thick but having a medium consistency.

Step 14

Once you get the right consistency, check the taste and add more salt if required.

Step 15

Garnish with coriander leaves.

Step 16

Serve tomato pappu hot or warm with steamed rice, mango pickle and vegetable salad.

Step 17

While serving you can add a bit of ghee.