Mudda pappu / Plain dal

Ingredients :

toor dal (kandi pappu) : 1 cup

garlic pods : 2 big

cumin 1/4 tsp

turmeric : 1/4 tsp

salt : 3/4 tsp

for tempering :

Oil : 2 tsp

Mustard seeds : 1/2 tsp

cumin : 1/2 tsp

dry red chillies : 3

curry leaves : few

Cashewnuts : 6 (optional for garnishing)

Wash and pressure cook the dal along with garlic, cumin and turmeric, adding little less amount of water. Cook for 3 whistles and cool down. Now mash tha dal. It should be thick only then it tastes good . So keep an eye while pouring water to pressure cook. Add in the salt and mix well.

Now heat oil in a small pan and add the mustard seeds. Allow them to crackle and add in the cumin seeds, broken dry red chillies, curry leaves and the turmeric. Now pour this hot mixture over the dal. Garnish with fried cashewnuts.

Tastes heavenly when served with plain rice, ghee and pickle.