Using a pressure cooker makes it fast and easy to prepare for a crowd. Served as a healthy entrée, this masala dal goes just as well with hot chapatis as it does with plain rice. Throw in a salad or a vegetable side dish and you've got the perfect vegetarian meal!

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup mung dal (washed thoroughly)
2. 1 cup masoor dal (washed thoroughly)
3. 1/4 tsp. asafetida
4. 1 tsp. turmeric powder, divided
5. 1 tsp. red chili powder, divided
6. 2 tbsp. neutral cooking oil (vegetable/canola/sunflower)
7. 1 large onion (chopped fine)
8. 1 medium tomato (chopped fine)
9. 1 tbsp. garlic paste
10. 1/2 tbsp. ginger paste
11. 2 tsp. coriander powder
12. 1 tsp. cumin powder
13. 1 tsp. sambar masala
14. 2 tbsp. ghee
15. 7 to 8 curry leaves
16. 1 tsp. paanch phoran
17. 2 green chilies (chopped fine) (optional)
18. Salt to taste
19. 1/4 cup chopped coriander leaves (to garnish)

How To Make It:

1. Mix the two washed dals together in a pressure cooker and add enough water just to cover. Add the asafetida, 1/2 teaspoon each of turmeric and red chili powder, and salt to taste.
2. Cover and set up to cook on a medium flame. Allow one whistle/pressure release and reduce flame to simmer. Cook until you hear two more whistles/pressure releases and turn off. Keep aside without opening the pressure cooker.
3. Heat the cooking oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the onions and fry till translucent.
4. Add the tomatoes, ginger, and garlic. Fry till the tomatoes are soft and pulpy.
5. Add all the powdered spices: coriander, cumin, sambar masala, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoons of turmeric and red chili powder. Mix well and fry for 5 to 7 minutes.
6. Release the steam and open the pressure cooker. Add the boiled dals to the spice and tomato mixture and blend well. Season with salt if necessary.
7. Cook for 10 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
8. In another small pan, heat the ghee over medium heat until quite hot. Add the paanch phoran, curry leaves, and green chilies and fry for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the mixture stops spluttering. Stir often.
9. Turn off the heat and add the ghee mixture to the dal. Stir well.
10. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with chapatis or plain boiled rice.

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