Khatti Masoor Daal (Sour Split Red Lentils)

Ingredients

• 1 cup split red lentils
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 2 tablespoons tamarind juice or lemon juice (add more if you like it really sour)
• 1 small tomato, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh coriander
• 3 whole dried red chilies
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin seed
• 1 garlic clove, sliced
• 4-5 curry leaves (optional)
• 3-4 tablespoons oil, for tempering

Directions

1. 1

   Wash the dal well.

2. 2

   soak for at least 15-20 minutes or upto half hour.

3. 3

   In a pot add the dal and a glass of water.

4. 4

   add the salt, chili powder, Turmeric (Haldi) and leave on very low heat to cook.

5. 5

   When the dal has softened to a paste, add the chopped tomatoes and fresh coriander and lemon juice or Tamarind juice.

6. 6

   Cook till it is of medium consistency (not too pasty or too liquidy)

7. 7

   In a frying pan heat the oil along with the Garlic and whole red chili and curry leaves.

8. 8

   When the Garlic slices turn light brown add cumin seeds and wait for them to be brown but be careful not to burn them.

9. 9

   pour the oil and its contents over the daal and cover immediately.

10. 10

    take off heat.

11. 11

    after a few minutes serve with plain boiled rice.