Masoor ki dal recipe

Ingredients needed for Massor Dal
¾ cup masoor dal
2 cups water
½ or 1 tsp lemon juice optional
1/2 cup chopped onion,
1 medium sized tomato, chopped
2-3 garlic flakes finely chopped
¼ inch ginger, finely chopped
1 tsp green chilies, chopped   
1-2 red chilies, whole
1 tsp cumin seeds
 ¼ tsp red chili powder, optional
 a pinch of asafoetida
½ tsp garam masala powder
½ tsp turmeric powder (haldi)
1 tbsp chopped coriander leaves (dhania patta)
1 tsp kasuri methi/dry fenugreek leaves, crushed
1.5 to 2 cups water or as required
2 tbsp oil or ghee
1 tbsp chopped coriander leaves for garnishing (optional)
salt to taste

How to prepare Masoor Ki Dal?
Clean, wash and pressure cook the masoor  dal with 2 cups of water till done that is 5 minutes in simmer flame after the first whistle.
When the dal is done, mash it slightly with the back of a spoon. Keep aside.
Heat oil or ghee in a fry pan,  add cumin seeds and fry till brown.
Add onions and fry till they are golden but do not let the onions change colour.
Add chopped ginger and garlic, stir fry for 10-15 seconds and add green chilies broken red chilies. stir well
Now add all the dry spice powders one by one including asafoetida and mix well.
Add the chopped tomatoes and fry till the oil separates and the tomatoes become soft.
Now add the cooked dal to the pan and pour 2 cups of water.
You can adjust the quantity of water as required.
Add salt and stir. simmer the masoor dal for 6-7 minutes more on a low or medium flame till you get the desired consistency.
Add kasuri methi in the end and simmer for a minute.
Remove from fire and add lemon juice.
Garnish with coriander leaves and serve with rotis and phulkas.