This is a very simple dal, you have it with rice or roti's. I used to always soak this dal for 1 to 2 hours and have a problem when boiling this dal I had to give about 8 to 9 whistles and still they would not get as tender as I wanted them to be. Then my friend Shivani's sister Shalu shared this tip with me, she said dont soak it for more time and cook any dal on medium heat, after about 2 to 3 whistles (Depends on the pressure cooker) the dal will be melting soft and cooked to perfection. Ever since I have tried this method my dal cooks really well and tastes better too. Thanks Shalu.

Ingredients
1 cup Whole Moong Dal
1/2 cup onion chopped
2 tsp garlic, minced
2 tsp ginger, grated
1 tsp green chilies, chopped
10 - 12 curry leaves
2 tomatoes, pureed
1 tsp coriander powder
pinch turmeric powder
1/4 tsp red chili powder
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tbsp fresh lime juice or to taste (Depends on how sour the tomatoes are.)
fresh coriander leaves for garnish
salt to taste

Method

1. Wash and soak the dal for 1 hour. Drain the water.
   
2. Place the dal in a pressure cooker along with ginger, garlic, green chilies, curry leaves and salt.
   
3. Add about 2 cups of water. Close the cooker and pressure cook the dal on medium till 3 whistles.
   
4. Let the pressure out naturally. If needed give more whistles.
   
5. Heat 1 tsp oil in another pan. Add the cumin seeds.
   
6. Once they splutter add the coriander powder, red chili powder and turmeric powder. Cook for 1/2 minute.
   
7. Add the tomatoes, cook till oil separates.
   
8. Add it to the cooked dal and Mix well.
   
9. Add more water if needed and bring to a boil.
   
10. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
    
11. Add the lime juice.
    
12. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
    
13. Adjust seasoning.
    
14. Serve with rice or roti.
    

(Spinach Dal)

This is a simple and yet very healthy dal.



Ingredients
1 cup whole moong dal
3 cups spinach/Palak, washed and chopped
1 tbsp chopped garlic
2 green chilies, chopped
1 inch ginger, grated
1 onion, chopped
1 tsp coriander powder
1/2 tsp red chili powder
a pinch of turmeric
1/2 cup curds/plain yogurt
juice of 1/2 lime (or as required)
salt to taste

Method

1. Soak the dal in water for about 1 hour.
   
2. Add the dal, spinach, onion, garlic, ginger, green chili and salt in a pressure cooker. Add about 3 cups of water.
   
3. Cook the dal in the pressure cooker till soft and tender. About 4 whistles.
   
4. Let the steam out naturally.
   
5. Boil the dal to required consistency, add more water if required.
   
6. Beat the curds well and add to the dal.
   
7. Heat 1 tsp of oil in a pan, once the oil is heat turn of the heat add the coriander powder, red chili powder and turmeric and immediately add to the dal.
   
8. Mix the dal well, check seasoning and simmer for 10 minutes.
   
9. Serve with roti, Phulka, chapati.