Ingredients

• 1 cup moong dal (tiny split yellow lentils)
• 3 cups water
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 2 pinches of chili powder (or paprika)
• 1 piece of ginger (optional)
• salt to taste (about ½ tsp)
• For Tempering/Tadka:
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 green or red chili, chopped (optional)
• 6-7 curry leaves (optional)
• 1/4 tsp asafoetida
• ¼ tsp garam masala powder
• Juice of half lemon
• Coriander leaves to garnish