Red Lenthils/Masoor Dhal & Spinach Curry

Ingredients:

Masoor Dhal - 1 cup
Onion - 1 medium size
Tomato - 1 medium size
Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp
Mustard Seeds - 1/2 tsp
Turmeric Pwdr - 1 tsp
Garam Masala - 1 tsp
Green Chillies - 5 nos.
Garlic cloves - 3 nos.
Ginger Root - about an inch
Spinach - 2 handfuls (optional)
Tamarind - about a small lime size
Asafoetida - a pinch
Oil for frying
Salt to taste
Cilantro
Sugar (optional)

Method:

1. Wash Masoor Dhal and soak in water for 10 mins.
2. Boil dhal & Cumin seeds. While it turns tender add turmeric pwdr.
3. Crush in garlic cloves & ginger root then add garam masala.
4. Slit the green Chillies (just a couple) at its tip and add it with the dhal.
5. Make a paste out of tamarind with water and add it to the dhal.
6. Wash the spinach and mix them with the dhal and add salt.
7. Dhal's cooked in 10-15mins, spinach will also be cooked. Remove from heat.

8. Slice onions and dice tomatoes. Cut the remaining green chillies
9. In a pan heat oil add asafoetida, mustard seeds & let it splutter.
10. Add onions & green chillies, saute till onions become transparent.
11. Mix in the diced tomatoes and let it cook for 5 mins.
12. Add the cooked dhal and mix well, sprinkle cilantro.
13. If the dish is sour (due to the tamarind juice) add a little sugar.

Serve with: Rice, Roti, Chappathi

I had Masoor Dhal stored for a longtime but had no idea what to do with it... Called up mom to find out what dish to make, She gave me a simple receipe which can be cooked in 20-25 mins... She also adds corriander powder and cumin powder...