Chana Dal

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups yellow split peas
• 5 cups water
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 thin slices of unpeeled ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 4-5 curry leaves
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• butter

Method

1. Wash dal in 3-4 changes of water. Then cover dal in 5 cups of water and bring to boil. Add salt, turmeric, garam masala, and ginger. Cover, leaving lid slightly ajar, lower heat, and simmer for one hour.
2. Heat oil in small frying pan over medium heat. When hot, put in cumin seeds, onion, and garlic. Stir and fry for about 2 minutes. Put chili powder into pan then immediately pour entire contents into the dal. Stir to mix. Simmer for another half hour. Add butter and serve.