Dal Tadka

A simple dish, sometimes makes a meal so satisfying and comforting. Dal Tadka is one such recipe recipe which is simple, elegant and so very delicious.
This can me made with any kind of dal or combination of different dals. I combined four different dals for this recipe, but you can always use your favorite combination.
There are many versions of this dal. Some add ginger and some do not. Some add garam masala and some do not. You can modify this as you please.

What you need :
Toor Dal : 1/2 cup
Moong Dal : 1/4 th cup
Massor dal : 1/4 th Tbsp
Chana Dal : 2 Tbsp
Ginger : 1 Tbsp, finely minced
Turmeric : 1/2 tsp
Asafetida / Hing : a pinch
Oil : 2 Tbsp
Cumin seeds : 1 tsp
Mustard seeds : 1 tsp
Green Chillies : 2 or 3, finely chopped, adjust according to taste
Curry leaves : a few
Onion : 1, finely chopped
Tomato : 1, finely chopped
Coriander powder : 1 tsp
Cumin powder : 1 tsp
Amchur powder : 1 tsp
Garam Masala : 1/2 tsp
Salt : to taste

In a pressure cooker, add all the dals and in add enough water. Add ginger, hing and turmeric.
Pressure cook till done. Mash lightly.
Add oil in a pan.
When hot add in cumin and mustard seeds, green chilli and curry leaves.
When the seeds splutter, add in onion and fry till translucent.
Now add in tomatoes and fry till done.
Add in coriander pwd, cumin pwd, amchur pwd and garam masala pwd. Stir taking care that spices do not burn.
Now add in the cooked dal. Mix well.
Add little water if it appears to be very thick.
Add salt, and bring the dal to a boil.
Turn down the heat to medium and cook for about 5 minutes till the dal has come together. Add a little water, if necessary to thin the dal if required, it should be neither too thick nor too thin. Squeeze in little lemon juice before serving.
Serve hot with Rotis, steamed rice or jeera rice.

Mom’s Notes :
You can use any combination of dals, or use any one type of dal.
Some skip onion and tomato, and make it simple.