Masoor Dal Recipe (Red Lentil Dal)

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1. 1Step 1: Add masoor dal & moong dal (optional) to a pot or pressure cooker. Wash it a few times until the water runs clear.
2. 2Step 2: Next add chopped tomatoes, water and green chili.
3. 3Step 3: Pressure cook for 1 to 2 whistles on a medium heat. If cooking in a pot, bring the water to a rolling boil, reduce the heat and cook until soft, adding more hot water if needed. Skim off any froth that rises to the top.
4. 4Step 4: Once the pressure drops, open the cooker.
5. 5Step 5: Mash the dal to suit your liking. You can make it smooth or keep it coarse for a texture. If needed you can pour 2 to 3 tbsp hot water to bring it to a consistency.
6. 6Step 6: Heat ghee (or oil or butter) in a small pan, on a medium heat.
7. 7Step 7: Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, dried red chilies and chopped garlic.
8. 8Step 8: Saute until the garlic turns slightly golden. Turn off the heat and add hing, chili powder, turmeric & garam masala.
9. 9Step 9: Quickly pour this off to the dal. (If you want you may set aside half of the tempering along with red chili to garnish later.)
10. 10Step 10: Time to add salt and crushed kasuri methi if using. Mix and simmer for 2 mins. Taste test and add more salt if required.
11. 11Step 11: Squeeze in some lemon & garnish with chopped coriander leaves before serving. Masoor dal is ready to serve with roti or rice.
12. 12Step 12: Press saute button on the Instant pot and pour oil to the inner pot.
13. 13Step 13: Add mustard, cumin, broken red chilies and garlic.
14. 14Step 14: When they splutter add tomatoes along with salt, chilli powder, hing, garam masala (optional) and turmeric.
15. 15Step 15: Saute for 1 min. Next add dal, green chilli and pour water.
16. 16Step 16: Stir well and deglaze to release any bits of food stuck. Secure the Instant pot with lid. Set the steam release handle to sealing.
17. 17Step 17: Optional :You can cook basmati rice together by placing the rice bowl on a long legged trivet.
18. 18Step 18: Press pressure cook button and set the timer for 7 mins.
19. 19Step 19: Wait for the pressure to release naturally. When the pin drops, open the IP.
20. 20Step 20: Add kasuri methi and stir well. Taste test and add more salt or garam masala if required. If the dal is runny, cook on saute mode for a few minutes. If it is too thick pour little hot water and saute for a minute.
21. 21Step 21: Squeeze lemon juice and garnish with chopped coriander leaves. Serve masoor dal with rice.