Masoor dal

Step 1

Put the lentils in a large saucepan and add the turmeric, garam masala and 1 litre/1¾ pints cold water. Bring to the boil, then skim off and discard any foam that rises to the surface. Reduce the heat and simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 2

While the lentils are cooking, heat the sunflower oil or ghee in a large non-stick frying pan and fry the onion over a low heat for 5 minutes until softened, stirring regularly. Turn up the heat and cook for 2 minutes more until pale golden brown, stirring constantly.

Step 3

Reduce the heat, add the ginger and garlic and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, chilli and salt and cook over a medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring regularly until the tomatoes are very soft.

Step 4

Stir the onion and tomato mixture into the lentils and cook for a further 10–15 minutes, stirring regularly, until the lentils are completely soft. You may need to add a little extra water. Remove from the heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5

To make the tadka, heat the oil or ghee in a small non-stick pan over a medium heat and add the cumin seeds, mustard seeds and chilli flakes for just 15 seconds, stirring constantly – don’t let them burn. Remove from the heat, sprinkle over the asafoetida and stir well.

Step 6

Spoon the dal into a warmed serving dish, pour over the tadka and serve.