Ingredients
Directions
Wash dal (lentils) thoroughly. Drain and rinse.
In a large soup pot, combine dal, turmeric, asafetida, and salt with 8 cups of water. Bring to a boil. Stir and cover pot with lid slightly ajar. Reduce heat to medium. Cook until softened, about 15 to 20 minutes. Set aside.
While dal is cooking, prepare the ginger and garlic paste.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add cumin seeds. Heat until seeds are fragrant, turn brown, and start crackling.
Add red chilies and onions. Cook until light brown, stirring frequently.
Mix in ginger and garlic paste. Cook until mixture turns light brown, stirring occasionally to prevent onions from burning or sticking to the pan.
Add coriander powder and tomato purée. Cook another 7 to 8 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
Garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve hot with rice or naan (Indian bread).
Serves 8
Note:
Ginger and garlic paste can be found in some supermarkets and all Indian grocery stores.