Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Prepare the Dal

   Wash 1/2 cup Masoor dal and 1/2 cup Toor dal thoroughly. Add them to a pressure cooker with 3 cups of water. Add 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Pressure cook for 3-4 whistles until the dal is soft and mushy.

2. 2.Prepare Vegetables

   Peel and cut 2-3 drumsticks into 2-inch pieces. Chop 1 medium onion and 1 medium tomato. Slit 2-3 green chilies. Soak a small lemon-sized ball of tamarind in 1/4 cup of warm water to extract pulp.

3. 3.Start Tempering

   Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pot over medium heat. Add 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds and let them splutter for 10-15 seconds.

4. 4.Add Cumin and Aromatics

   Add 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds and let them crackle for 10-15 seconds. Add 8-10 curry leaves and 2-3 slit green chilies. Sauté for 30 seconds.

5. 5.Add Ginger-Garlic and Onions

   Add 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent.

6. 6.Add Tomatoes and Spices

   Add the chopped tomato and cook for 2-3 minutes until it softens. Add 1 teaspoon red chili powder, 1.5 teaspoons coriander powder, 1 teaspoon cumin powder, and 1/2 teaspoon garam masala.

7. 7.Cook the Masala

   Mix the spices well with the onion-tomato mixture. Add about 1/4 cup of water to prevent burning and help the spices cook. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oil separates from the masala.

8. 8.Add Drumsticks

   Add the cut drumstick pieces to the pot. Mix them thoroughly with the masala. Add about 1/2 cup of water, cover the pot, and cook for 8-10 minutes until the drumsticks are tender.

9. 9.Combine with Dal

   Pour the cooked dal from the pressure cooker into the pot with the drumsticks and masala. Mix everything well.

10. 10.Add Tamarind Pulp

    Add the extracted tamarind pulp to the dal. Stir well to combine.

11. 11.Simmer and Garnish

    Bring the dal to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes for the flavors to meld. Garnish with 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped coriander leaves.

12. 12.Serve

    Serve the hot Drumstick Dal with steamed rice.