Empress Dal

Directions

1. 1
   Combine the oil, cumin, red chiles and turmeric in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. 2
   Cook, stirring, 1 to 2 minutes.
3. 3
   Add the garlic or asafetida, lentils, cayenne, and mango powder, if using, (if using lemon juice instead, stir in at the end), and cook, stirring, 1 minute.
4. 4
   Add the water and salt, bring to a boil and skim well.
5. 5
   Reduce the heat and simmer, covered , until the lentils are soft, 20 to 30 minutes.
6. 6
   Add more water during cooking if necessary. Taste for salt and add more if you need to.
7. 7
   Ladle about 1/2 cup of the lentils into a small bowl and mash them with a spoon.
8. 8
   Return the mashed lentils to the pot and give the dal a stir. Then continue cooking at a simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes to thicken.
9. 9
   If you like a thicker dal, use a whisk to break up the lentils into a puree. If you like a thinner dal, add more water. Stir in the lemon juice, if using. Serve hot.