Varanasi Gatka Dal

Ingredients

• 🫙Ginger Garlic Paste1 tbsp
  
• 🌶️Garam Masala1/2 tsp
  
• 🧂Saltto taste
  
• 🧅Onion1, finely chopped
  
• 🍅Tomato2, chopped
  
• 🫙Ginger2-inch piece
  
• 🌶️Green Chili2
  
• 🌶️Cumin Seeds1 tsp
  
• 🧈Ghee3 tbsp
  
• 🌶️Turmeric Powder1/2 tsp
  
• 🫙Yellow Lentils (Toor Dal)1 cup, rinsed
  

Optional extras

• 🌿Fresh Cilantro2 tbsp, chopped
  

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook the yellow lentils (toor dal) in a generous amount of water with turmeric and salt, skimming the foam, until each grain surrenders.

2. 2

   Mash the dal lightly against the side of the pot; leave some texture.

3. 3

   For the tadka, bloom cumin in ghee with dried red chilies until they swell and darken.

4. 4

   Build a quick masala of the ginger in the tadka pan, let it sizzle into the ghee, and stir it through the dal.

5. 5

   Finish with a second tiny tadka — ghee, red chili powder, poured sizzling over the top — and a shower of cilantro.