Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Wash the Dal

   Wash 1/4 cup Toor Dal and 1/4 cup Masoor Dal thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear.

2. 2.Pressure Cook the Dal

   Add the washed dals to a pressure cooker. Pour enough water to completely immerse the dal. Add 1/4 tsp turmeric powder. Close the lid and pressure cook on medium flame for 4-5 whistles until the dal is soft and well-cooked.

3. 3.Prepare the First Tempering

   Take a kadai (wok) and heat 2 tsp ghee and 2 tsp oil. Once hot, add 1 tsp cumin seeds and 2 red chillies. Sauté until the cumin seeds splutter and are fragrant.

4. 4.Sauté Ginger, Garlic, Green Chilli, and Onion

   Add 1 tsp finely chopped ginger and 1 tsp finely chopped garlic to the kadai. Sauté until they turn light golden brown. Then, add 1 finely chopped green chilli and 1 large finely chopped onion. Sauté until the onions are translucent and turn golden brown.

5. 5.Cook Tomatoes and Spices

   Add 2 small finely chopped tomatoes to the kadai. Sauté until the tomatoes are cooked and mushy, and the oil starts to separate from the mixture. Add 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, and 1/4 tsp turmeric powder. Mix everything well and sauté for another minute.

6. 6.Combine Dal with Tempering

   Add the cooked dal from the pressure cooker to the kadai with the sautéed ingredients. Mix well to combine everything.

7. 7.Simmer the Dal

   Add 1 cup of water to adjust the consistency of the dal. If the dal is too thick, you can add a little more water. Let the dal simmer on low flame for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

8. 8.Add Fresh Herbs

   Add chopped coriander leaves and 1 tsp crushed kasuri methi to the simmering dal. Give it a quick mix. Keep the dal aside while you prepare the final tadka.

9. 9.Prepare the Final Tadka

   For the final tadka, take a small tempering pan (tadka pan) and add 3 tsp ghee. Once the ghee is hot, add 1/2 tsp cumin seeds and 2 red chillies. Sauté until fragrant. Add 1/4 tsp asafoetida powder. Turn off the stove. Add 1/4 tsp red chilli powder and a few curry leaves to the hot ghee.

10. 10.Serve Dal Tadka

    Pour the prepared final tadka over the simmering dal. Serve the Dal Tadka hot, ideally with Jeera Rice or roti.