Yellow Toor Daal

Directions

Cover daal with water and soak 30 minutes.

If using a pressure cooker, reduce soaking time to 10 minutes.

Discard soaking water in a large saucepan or pressure cooker.

Cook 50 minutes by conventional method or 15 minutes in a pressure cooker.

If using red lentils, cook 30 minutes by conventional method or 10 minutes in pressure cooker.

For a souplike consistency, add ¼ to ½ cup more water if needed.

Purée daal with a handheld electric blender or in a food processor.

Heat oil in a small skillet over medium heat.

Add cumin seeds and asafetida.

Cook until cumin seeds turn golden brown, about 1 minute.

Add to the daal and bring to a boil.

Stir in chilies, salt, sugar, turmeric and tomatoes.

Lower heat and simmer uncovered 5 minutes.

Remove daal from heat. Stir in cilantro and yogurt or lemon juice and serve immediately.