Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Soak Masoor Dal

   Take 1 cup of masoor dal in a bowl, wash it nicely, pour enough water to cover the dal, and soak it for about 1 hour. After soaking, the dal will plump up and split in the middle, indicating it's ready for cooking.

2. 2.Sauté Aromatics

   Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wide kadai. Once the oil is hot, add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds. Then add 1 large finely chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it turns a nice golden color. Next, add 2 large cloves of finely chopped garlic, a piece of finely chopped ginger, and 3 green chilies cut into halves. Sauté until the onions are golden; you don't have to brown them too much.

3. 3.Add Tomatoes and Spices

   Add 3 large chopped tomatoes and mix well. After about a minute, start adding the spice powders: a pinch of hing (asafoetida powder), 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 2 teaspoons of Kashmiri red chili powder, 2 teaspoons of coriander powder, 2 teaspoons of cumin powder, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 2 teaspoons of amchur powder. Mix everything well until the tomatoes become nice and mushy and the oil begins to separate.

4. 4.Cook the Dal

   Add the soaked masoor dal to the kadai and mix it well with the masala. Add about 1 liter of hot water to cook the dal. Mix everything well and cook on medium flame for roughly about 30 minutes until the dal is completely done. You want the dal to be in a gravy consistency, not too thick.

5. 5.Finish with Garam Masala, Ghee, and Coriander

   After 30 minutes, check on the dal; it should be cooked perfectly. Add 2 teaspoons of garam masala powder and adjust salt as required according to your taste. To give the dal a nice rich taste, add about 2 teaspoons of ghee. Finish off by adding some chopped coriander leaves. Be generous with the coriander leaves as it gives a very nice flavor. Mix everything well.

6. 6.Serve Masoor Dal Curry

   The wholesome and hearty Masoor Dal Curry is now ready to be served. Enjoy it with long-grain basmati rice or roti.