Dal Tadka - Tempered Yellow Lentils

Ingredients (Makes 4 servings)

1/3 cup arhar/toor dal (pigeon pea lentils,husked & split )
1/3 cup masoor dal (red lentils,husked & split )
2 tbsp moong dal (golden lentils,husked &split )
3 tbsp finely chopped onion (I use red onion)
1/4 cup finely chopped tomatoes (I use Roma tomatoes)
1 fat garlic clove,finely chopped
1/4 tsp finely chopped fresh ginger (optional)
1/8 tsp hing (asafoetida)
1/2 tsp ghee, melted
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
Salt
3 cups water +more
1/4 tsp amchoor (dried mango powder, substitute with fresh lime juice to taste)
Chopped Cilantro

For Tadka (tempering)

4 tbsp ghee
1 tsp cumin seeds
2-3 whole dried kashmiri red chilies
1-2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/4 tsp red chilli powder (adjust to taste)
2-3 whole red chilies

Notes -

The cooking time mentioned in this recipe are for split lentils. If you use whole lentils the cooking time could be more. 
Also keep in mind that you use either all split or all whole when choosing lentils for this recipe

Hing or asafoetida is a strong, aromatic spice available both in crystal and powdered form. 
It aids digestion & is used more often than not in indian cooking, also a little goes a long way. 
It gives a unique flavor to dal but can be skipped if you do not have it.

Method

Thoroughly wash all the lentils under running water 2-3 times. 
Drain and transfer the washed lentils to a pressure cooker and add 3 cups of water. 
Let soak for 10 minutes. 
Add chopped onion, tomatoes,garlic, ginger(if using), hing, ghee, turmeric and salt. 
Put on the lid and pressure cook the lentils on medium heat for 1 whistle (This cooking time will depend on the quality of lentils, so adjust). 
Take off the heat and let sit on the counter till the pressure releases out of the cooker.

If you do not have a pressure cooker, use a heavy bottomed pot with lid and cook the lentils for around 30- 40 minutes or till completely tender.

Once you open the lid, add amchoor to the dal. 
With the help of a whisk or a spoon, thoroughly mash the lentils so that they are creamy. 
If you like a thinner consistency of dal, add a cup or more of water.
If you add extra water, return to the stove and let simmer for another 5-7 minutes on medium heat.

While the dal is simmering, make the tadka. In a small sauce pan, heat up the ghee. Add the cumin seeds and let crackle. 
Also add the whole dried chillies and let them turn darker in color. 
Lower the heat and immediately add the garlic and let it cook for 30 seconds or so taking care that it does not burn.
(Tadka can become very hot very quickly, take care that you act fast so that nothing burns.) 
Put off the heat and add the red chili powder. 
Immediately add this tadka to the simmered lentils and close the lid so that the aroma infuses. Let sit undisturbed for 10-15 minutes.

Top with chopped cilantro and serve.