• Wash 1 cup of masoor dal / red lentils with water a couple of times till the water runs relatively clear.
• Add 2 cups of water and pressure cook the dal for 5-6 whistles.
• Heat oil in a pan, add finely chopped onions and saute for 2-3 minutes.
• Add finely chopped green chillies and roughly crushed ginger-garlic paste.
• Cook onions till translucent.
• Add finely chopped tomatoes and cook till tomatoes soften.
• Add spices, coriander powder, garam masala powder, red chilli powder, and turmeric powder. Mix well.
• Add 1/2 cup of water to prevent spices from burning.
• Add the cooked dal and salt to taste.
• Mix dal with the onion tomato masala. Add water to adjust the consistency of the dal as per your preference.
• Simmer the dal and let it come to a boil.

For Tadka (Tempering)

• Heat 2 tablespoons of oil. Add roughly crushed garlic, cumin seeds, dry red chillies and saute till garlic turns golden brown in colour.
• Add a teaspoon of Kashmiri red chilli powder. This chilli powder gives bright red colour to the tadka.
• Turn off the flame immediately and pour the tadka over the dal. Keep some tadka for later to garnish.
• Mix tadka with dal and adjust the consistency of the dal by adding water.
• Let the dal come to a boil.
• Lastly, add finely chopped coriander leaves.
• Delicious & flavourful masoor dal / red lentil curry tadka is ready. Serve with paratha, naan or rice.