Wash and soak lentil for 10 minutes. Now transfer it to a pressure cooker and add 1/2 teaspoon salt and turmeric powder. Add 2 cups of water and pressure cook for 3 whistles.

In a pan heat 2 tablespoon of ghee/oil and add asafoetida and half of cumin seeds. Once they crackle, add onions and sauté till they are golden. Add grated ginger and garlic and sauté again for 2 minutes. Now add all the spices listed above and sauté again. Add chopped tomatoes and sauté till they are cooked and start leaving oil.

Pour the boiled dal into the pan and mix well. Cook for 3-4 minutes and switch off the heat. Transfer the dal into a serving bowl. For tempering, heat rest of one tablespoon ghee/oil in a tadka pan and add dry red chillies, and rest of cumin seeds. Once fried, pour it over the dal. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.