Basic Daal

Photo: flickr user vm2827

Ingredients

2 Fistfuls mung beans

Water

teaspoon Turmeric powder

Salt

Crushed garlic

Butter or oil

Ginger

Seasonings: mustard seeds, cumin seeds and sli

Butter or oil

Garnish: lotsa chopped coriander leaves

Preparation

Pressure cook about two fistfuls of mung beans with water adding 1/4 tsp turmeric powder to it. (I usually put one fistful for one person if daal is not the main dish in the meal. Otherwise , you might want to add two fistfuls per person. It is probably surprising, but this measuring scheme works for me)

Once cooked, stir the beans till they can no longer be seen separately.

This step is very important. If the beans are nicely cooked, just a stir of the spoon will make a smooth paste. This is the reason why we are pressure cooking the beans. It is not only faster, but also cooks the beans thoroughly. Cooking in a pan is possible, but be prepared to keep stirring for about an hour.

Also, if more water is required, add after the daal has been cooked. For those who have tried this dish, know what consistency they need. For others, daal should be pouring consistency. Add salt.

If you like garlic, fry crushed garlic in little bit of butter or oil and add to the daal along with the puree. May also want to add ginger, though I give it a miss (don't like the taste, you know). Let this cook (on the stove, not press. cook).

Seasoning: Mustard seeds, cumin seeds and slit green chillies in butter or oil. (First add mustard seeds. Wait till they burst, add cumin seeds and green chillies. Do not fry green chillies for too long, as they will lose their flavor) Add to daal at the very end. Garnishing: Lotsa chopped coriander leaves.

Note: To make it fiery, why not add little bit of cayenne pepper powder.