Lentils dal curry

This dish compliments rice and roti. Can use the same recipe to cook other lentils such as Toor dal. For Toor dal use a pressure cooker and more water.

1 cup masoor dal or red lentil

1/2 tbsp chillie powder

1/4 tbsp garam masala

1/4 tsp turmeric

1 tsp salt
2 to 3 cloves of garlic cut small
1 inch ginger cut small or grate
water

1/4 cup coconut milk optional

Add water 2 inches above the level of dal and cook with all the above ingredients in medium heat. Watch the dal as it might spill over. Can use a  pressure cooker to cook the dal faster. When the dal is fully cooked add coconut milk, this is optional.

tempering

1 tsp oil
1 tbsp onion
curry leaves

1/4 tsp mustard seeds
1/4 tsp cumin seeds
1/8 tsp asafoetida 

Heat oil add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, onion, curry leaves. When the onion starts to lightly brown add the asafoetida and remove from the cooker. Add this seasoning to the cooked dal and mix it. 

For different variations
When the lentil is cooked halfway, add drumsticks or moringa pods and let it cook.
To make dal with spinach, purslane or callaloo add chopped greens to the same recipe towards the end and cook for a few minutes till the green vegetables mix and become soft.

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