Whole Masoor Dal

Ingredients:
Whole Masoor 1 Cup
Tomatoes 2 Medium
Garlic 5 Cloves
Green Chiles 4
Red Chile Powder 1/4 tsp
Turmeric Powder a big Pinch
Salt to taste

Talimpu:
Urad Dal 1/4 tsp
Mustard Seeds 1/4 tsp
Cumin Seeds 1/4 tsp
Asafoetida a pinch
Curry Leaves 4
Oil 1 tsp

Method of preparation:
Wash whole masoor dal under fresh water to remove any traces of dirt.
Wash and finely chop the tomatoes.
Remove stems, wash and slice the green chiles.
Peel and thickly slice the garlic cloves.
Place washed whole masoor dal in a vessel and pour 2 cups of water.
Pressure cook the dal for 3 whistles or until dal turns soft but not mushy.
Alternatively, boil in around 3 cups of water till the masoor is soft but whole (around 50 minutes).
Heat oil in a deep pot, add all talimpu ingredients in order along with garlic cloves.
When mustard seeds start spluttering, add green chiles and tomatoes.
Fry till tomatoes turn soft and kind of mushy.
Then stir in cooked whole masoor dal, red chili powder, turmeric powder and salt.
Cook on low flame for around 5 – 10 minutes for all flavors to combine.
Serve whole masoor dal with steamed rice and a crispy papad.