Lemon Dal

Ingredients:
Moong Dal - 1 Cup
Turmeric Powder - 1/2 tsp.
Crushed Garlic - 3 Cloves
Whole Red Chillies - 3 to 4
Curry Leaves - Few
Lemon Juice - 1 tbsp.
Mustards Seeds - 1 tsp.
Cumin Seeds - 1 tsp.
Asafoetida - 1 Pinch
Coriander Leaves - Few (For Garnishing)
Kasturi Methi (Dried Methi Leaves) - 1 Pinch (Optional)
Salt - According To Taste
Oil - 2 tbsp.

Method:
Heat a pan and dry roast the moong dal till light brown and nice aroma comes.Remove from the fire and wash it thoroughly.Soak in the lukewarm water for 30 mins.Pressure cook the roasted moong dal with 1/2 tsp. of  turmeric powder for 4 to 5 whistles (the dal should be soft) and wait for the pressure to release.Once the pressure is released,mash the cooked moong dal with a masher or a spoon and set it aside.

Heat another pan with 2 tbsp. of oil and add mustard seeds and let it splutter.Then add cumin seeds, asafoetida,curry leaves and whole red chillies and fry for a minute.Add the cooked moong dal and salt and stir it well.If needed,add 1/4 cup of  water and allow it to cook for couple of mins.Now add the lemon juice and kasturi methi and let it cook for another minute or two.Turn off the stove and garnish it with some coriander leaves.Serve it with hot  rice and ghee or with chapathi/roti.

Note:
1)You can also use toor dal for this dish.If using toor dal,just soak it in the lukewarm water for 30 mins and pressure cook for 4 to 5 whistles.The dal should be soft.Mash with a masher/spoon nicely.If preparing this dish with toor dal please add finely chopped onions and green chillies (instead of whole red chillies) and then add the cooked toor dal.
       
2)Kasturi methi (dried methi leaves) are available in all the Indian Stores.

Tip:
Before cooking the dal,add few drops/tablespoons of oil so that the dal will be soft and fully cooked.