Rinse 1 cup toor dal or moong dal 3 to 4 times
Soak the dal for 20 to 30 minutes
Add dal to a pressure cooker with 3 cups water, 1/2 tsp turmeric, and salt
Cook for 3 to 4 whistles or until soft
Mash the cooked dal lightly and set aside
Heat 2 tbsp ghee or oil in a pan
Add 1 tsp cumin seeds
Add 1/2 tsp mustard seeds if desired
Add 2 to 3 dried red chilies
Add 1 tsp chopped garlic
Add 1 tsp chopped ginger
Add 1 to 2 chopped green chilies
Add 1 chopped onion and sauté until golden
Add 1 chopped tomato and cook until soft
Add 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp red chili powder, and 1 tsp coriander powder
Cook the masala until the oil separates
Add the cooked dal to the pan
Add water to adjust consistency
Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes
Add salt if needed
Add 1 tbsp chopped coriander leaves
Heat 1 tbsp ghee in a small pan for tadka
Add 1 tsp cumin seeds
Add 4 to 5 garlic slices
Add 1 to 2 dried red chilies
Add a pinch of asafoetida if desired
Pour the hot tadka over the dal
Serve hot with rice or roti