Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Soak the Dals

   Combine 1/2 cup musurir dal (red lentils), 1/4 cup moong dal, and 1/4 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas) in a bowl. Add enough water to cover the dals.

2. 2.Soak for 20 Minutes

   Soak the mixed dals for 20 minutes to soften them.

3. 3.Cook the Dal

   Drain the soaked dals and transfer them to a cooking pot. Add 4 cups of water, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp turmeric, 1/2 tsp cooking oil, and 2 small bay leaves to the pot with the dals.

4. 4.Simmer Dal until Soft

   Stir the ingredients and cook on a low simmer for 20 minutes until the dals are soft and mushy.

5. 5.Prepare the Tempering Base

   For the tempering (tadka), heat 2 tbsp cooking oil in a wok or pan. Add 1 tsp cumin seeds and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

6. 6.Sauté Onions and Chilies

   Add 1 small chopped onion and 2 dry red chilies. Sauté until the onion turns light brown, about 2-3 minutes.

7. 7.Add Ginger and Garlic

   Add 1 1/2 tsp chopped garlic and 1 1/2 tsp chopped ginger. Continue to sauté until the mixture is light brown and aromatic, about 1-2 minutes.

8. 8.Cook Dry Spices

   Add 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, and a big pinch of turmeric powder. Sauté the spices for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

9. 9.Add Water and Cook Spices

   Add about 1/4 cup of water to the spices to create a paste and cook for 1 minute until the water evaporates and the oil separates slightly.

10. 10.Sauté Tomatoes and Green Chilies

    Add 1 small chopped tomato, 2 chopped green chilies, and 1/2 tsp salt (to taste). Sauté the tomato mixture on medium-high heat for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the tomatoes soften and the mixture thickens.

11. 11.Add Dried Fenugreek

    Add 1/2 tsp dried fenugreek (kasuri methi) to the tempering mixture and stir well.

12. 12.Combine Dal with Tempering

    Pour the cooked dal from the pot into the wok with the tempering mixture. Stir to combine thoroughly.

13. 13.Adjust Consistency and Simmer

    If the dal is too thick, add about 1/4 cup of water to reach your desired consistency and simmer for a few minutes.

14. 14.Finish with Butter and Coriander

    Stir in 1 tbsp butter and 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves.

15. 15.Add Roasted Cumin

    Sprinkle 1/2 tsp roasted cumin powder over the dal.

16. 16.Serve Dal Tadka

    Garnish with warm ghee (optional) before serving.