Wash the Dal until the water runs clear and Soak it for about 1 hour
After 1 hour, In a Pressure cooker, add 2 tbspn of Ghee or Oil and place the Pressure cooker on Medium flame
Once the Ghee melts and turns hot, add the Mustard Seeds, Cumin Seeds amd Asafoetida and allow the Mustard seeds to sputterNote:- If the oil is not hot enough, the Mustard and Cumin seeds wont sputter and will remain bitter and that bitter taste will get transferred to the Dal. So, ensure that tge oil/ghee is bot enough.To check if the oil/ghee is hot enough, just throw in 1 or 2 mustard seeds into the hot oil and check. Once the Mustard Seeds sputter, add the slit green chillies, curry leaves, crushed garlic and ginger and stir
Immediately after a minute or so, add the chopped Onions and Tomatoes and stir
Once the Onions start turnring translucent, add the Ginger Garlic paste and stir
Once the raw smell of the Ginger Garlic paste reduces, add the Soaked Dal along with 5 cups of Water, 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder, 1/2 tspn Chilly powder, Lemon Juice, Salt, Veg Cube(if using), Racheado Masala(if using) and stir it wellNote:-Dal tends to thicken as it boils so 5 cups may seem too much initially, but later as it boils, the consistency will be perfect. Now put the pressure cooker lid onSafety tip:- As you place the pressure cooker lid, since the gas flame is on, there will be steam in the cooker. So, while placing the lid, keep releasing/lifting the whistle and then tighten the lid Allow the dal to cook until 3-4 whistles have been released. Once 3-4 whistles are released, turn off the flame and let the dal sit inside the cooker till all the steam has been released from the cooker(it will take about 15-20 minutes)
Once the steam has been released from the cooker, lift the whistle and turn the lid and open the cooker
Add the Finely chopped coriander leaves and turn the gas flame on and let it boil on high flame for about 10-15 minutes or until the Dal gets a nice thick consistency. If you like your Dal runny or 'watery dal' as my nephew, Jaden loves it, You can add a cup of water at this stage and boil it. Check for Salt.
Once done, turn off the flame and enjoy you Tangy Dal with some Hot Rice or Parathas or Chapatis.