~< Panchmel dal >~

Ingredients :

1/3 cup tooar dal
1/3 cup moong dal
1/3 cup chana dal
1/3 cup whole green mung dal
1 tbsp cup urad dal
2 tomatoes, diced
3 green chilies, finely chopped
1 tsp ginger paste
2 tbsp chilli powder
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp amchur powder
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp cumin seeds
2 bay leaves
4 cloves
a pinch of asafetida
3 tbsp clarified butter (ghee) / vegetable oil
2 tbsp chopped cilantro
2 tsp lemon juice
salt to taste

Directions :
1. Combine all the five dals. clean and wash them thoroughly. Soak in water for at least 30-40 minutes.
2. Pressure cook dal with around 4 cups of water.
3. In a bowl mix all the powder-spices with 4 tbsp of water. Let the mixture sit till the lentils are cooked in pressure cooker.
4. Heat ghee in a pan. Add cumin seed and fry till they sputter. Add asafetida, cloves, bay leaves, ginger paste and green chillies. Fry for 30 seconds.
5. Add tomatoes and cook till they soften. Now add the spice paste made in step 3 and salt. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes.
6. Now add the pressure cooked dal. Stir and cook for around 4-5 minutes on medium heat. If the consistency of dal is too thick add hot water as per desire. Simmer for 5 minutes.
7. Turn off the heat and add lemon juice and cilantro.

Serve hot with choice of chapati, rice, pulao or baati !