Maash Dal - Black gram lentils

Ingredients:

Dal: 1 cup, rinsed and pre-soaked for 1/2 hour

Green chillies: 3 (chopped)

Garlic paste: 1 tsp

Ginger paste: 1 1/2 tsp

Tomatoes: 1 medium crushed or blended

Butter or ghee: 5 tbsp

Oil: 1 tbsp

Cayenne pepper: 1/2 tsp

Turmeric: 1/2 tsp

Onions: 1 small (sliced)

Cumin seeds: 1/2 tsp

Mustard seeds: 1/4 tsp

Cilantro: 1 tbsp (chopped)

Salt to taste

Directions:

1. Boil the dal with turmeric, garlic, ginger, cayenne, and oil, in three cups of water.  Cover the pan and cook on medium low heat till the dal is tender.
2. Add the tomatoes, half the ghee or butter and half of the green chillies, combine and simmer for another 30 minutes.
3. Season with salt.
4. Heat the remaining ghee on medium heat, add the cumin and mustard seeds.  Add the onion and fry till the onions turn a golden brown color.
5. Drizzle the onion mixture on the dal, garnish with coriander and remaining chillies.
6. Serve with rice.