A Perfect Sunday Night

Sunday nights are perpetually depressing. The Monday blues start bugging since the afternoon. A good afternoon nap and a soothing dinner is the perfect remedy for it. That's the reason why I decided to make my mother's version of Masoor Dal Usal with extra garlic.

Preparation time - 20-25 minutes.
Serving - 2 adults.

Ingredients:

1 cup of Masoor Dal Soaked for 4-5 hrs.

1 Medium size Red-Onion thinly chopped.

1 Medium size tomato thinly chopped.

1/2 cup of garlic sliced.

2 spoons of Tamarind Paste diluted in water.

1/2 cup of grated coconut.

1 spoon of cumin powder.

1 spoon of mustard seeds.

1 spoon of cumin seeds.

1 spoon of red chilly powder.

1/2 spoon turmeric powder.

1 spoon of Fenugreek seeds.

2-3 curry leaves.

1/2 cup of coriander leaves chopped.

salt to taste .


Procedure:

Heat the oil and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds,Fenugreek seeds, turmeric and curry leaves.

Add sliced onion and garlic and saute for 1 minute.

Add tomato and then immediately add salt. This helps in making smooth gravy.

Add tamarind, coconut,cumin powder and red chilly powder.

Add soaked dal with 2 cups of water and cook it uncovered. This makes the extra water evaporate.

Garnish with coriander leaves.

Tastes best with plain nonfat yogurt, a slice of onion and Roti.