Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Prepare and Cook Dals

   Add 1 cup toor dal, 1/4 cup moong dal, and 1/4 cup chana dal to a pressure cooker. Pour water and rinse the dals thoroughly. Drain the water, then add 3 cups of fresh water to the dals. Close the pressure cooker lid and cook until 3-4 whistles, or until the dals are soft and well-cooked. Once cooked, open the lid and stir the dals. Add 1 cup of hot water to adjust the consistency and stir again.

2. 2.Prepare the Masala

   Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a separate pan. Add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add 1 tablespoon each of chopped ginger and garlic, and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of chopped onion and 1-2 green chilies, and cook until the onions turn translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes. Stir in 1 teaspoon of red chilli powder, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala. Sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic. Add 1/2 cup of chopped tomatoes and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook until the tomatoes soften and the oil begins to separate from the mixture, about 5-7 minutes.

3. 3.Combine Masala with Dal and Season

   Transfer the prepared masala into the cooked dal in the pressure cooker. Mix well to combine. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt (or to taste) and 1 teaspoon of kasuri methi. Stir thoroughly.

4. 4.Infuse Smoky Flavor (Optional)

   Place a small steel cup in the center of the dal. Carefully place a hot coal piece into the cup. Pour 1 teaspoon of ghee over the hot coal to create smoke. Immediately cover the pressure cooker with a lid to trap the smoke and infuse the dal with a smoky flavor for 3-5 minutes. Remove the lid and discard the coal and cup.

5. 5.Prepare Final Tadka

   In a small tempering pan (tadka pan), heat 1 tablespoon of ghee. Add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add 2 dried red chilies and sauté for 30 seconds. Add 1 tablespoon of chopped garlic and cook until it turns golden brown, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of hing (asafoetida) and 1 teaspoon of red chilli powder. Mix quickly.

6. 6.Serve Dal Tadka

   Pour the hot tadka over the prepared dal in a serving bowl. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving. Serve hot with rice or roti.