Dal Tadka

Dal is the most famous and important dish of Indian cuisine. Dals are dried, split pulses and found mostly in all Indian houses and eaten for Lunch or Dinner. Dal is usually eaten with rice and Indians call it "Dal Chawal". There are many different ways to make Dal and here's one of them "Dal Tadka".

Ingredients for Dal Tadka:

• ½ cup Toor Dal
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp Jeera
• 1 long chopped Green chilly
• 5-6 Curry leaves
• 1/2 medium size chopped Onion
• 2 tsp Coriander
• 1 tsp Mustard seeds(Rai)
• 1/2 tsp of Chilli powder
• 3-4 Garlic cloves
• Oil for frying
• Water as required

Preparation of Dal Tadka:

1. Turn on the gas and place the pressure cooker on the flame.
2. Add Toor Dal into the pressure cooker.
3. Now add in 2 cups of water or as required.
4. Add in a pinch of jeera and 1 tsp of turmeric.
5. Cover the pressure cooker with its lid and let it boil until we hear the cooker making 2 whistles.
6. Turn off the gas flame and check whether all the excess water in the pressure cooker has gone by pulling up the whistle with the help of a spoon or knife. (Note: Do not open the lid immediately. Either wait for the pressure cooker to cool completely or check with the help of spoon/knife as mentioned)
7. When you pull the whistle up all the excess water will come out. Once all the water comes out you can open the lid slowly or else wait for the cooker to cool completely and then open the lid.
8. If you feel the Dal has not been cooked properly you can again turn on the flame and keep it for another 1 or 2 whistles as you deem fit and then turn off the flame. (Make note of step 6 and 7 before opening the lid).
9. Turn on the gas and place a vessel on the flame.
10. Add in 4 tsp of oil and let it heat for 30 seconds.
11. Now add the garlic cloves (Be careful as it may splash out. You can lower the flame while adding them and then switch the flame back to the original position).
12. Now add in the jerra and mustard seeds(rai).
13. Now add in the chopped onion, green chilly and curry leaves together.
14. Now add in the red chilli powder and give it a mix.
15. Mix the mixture well until the onion and garlic cloves start to turn golden brown.
16. Now add in the boiled Dal from the pressure cooker into this mixture and mix well.
17. Add in the salt and mix it well.
18. Keep mixing in between and let the mixture cook well.
19. Bring the mixture to a good boil and then turn off the gas.
20. Take out the Dal in a bowl.
21. Garnish the dal with some coriander.
22. Your tasty Dal is ready to be served.