Chana Dal Fry - #Kinfolks #Karachi

Directions

1. 1
   Take chana dal in a colander. wash it under running cold water till water runs clear.
2. 2
   Soak in enough water for at least 30 minutes. More soaking time will not hurt.
3. 3
   Now discard the cooking water. take dal in pressure cooker along with fresh 1 1/2 cups of water. Add turmeric powder and salt.
4. 4
   Cover the pressure cooker and put the weight on. Turn the heat on medium. Let it cook for 6-7 whistles. Let the pressure go down by itself. Then open the lid. Dal should be soft. Keep it aside.
5. 5
   Heat the oil in a pan on medium heat. Once hot add ginger paste, garlic paste and green chilies. Cook for a minute.
6. 6
   Then add chopped onions. Cook till they become translucent.
7. 7
   Mix in chopped tomatoes and cook till they get soft.
8. 8
   Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala and salt.
9. 9
   Mix well. Saute for a minute.
10. 10
    Add cooked dal with its water. If needed add extra water and make runny consistency. Let it come to a boil. Simmer for 5 minutes.
11. 11
    Meanwhile prepare the tadka. Heat the oil in a small pan on medium heat. Once hot add mustard seeds. Let them pop. Then add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
12. 12
    Add curry leaves and dried red chili.
13. 13
    Add tempering to the dal.
14. 14
    Mix well and dal is ready to serve.
15. 15
    Shelf life: it can be refrigerated once it cools completely in airtight container up to 4-5 days. Or even you can freeze it.
16. 16
    Serving suggestions: Serve it with plain rice or jeera rice. You can serve with any Indian flat bread like paratha, naan, roti.