- First wash and soak the toor dal in water for about an hour. Once done, strain the water and keep the dal aside for further use. Meanwhile grind the tomatoes, ginger and green chilli together to obtain a paste. Next, in a pressure cooker heat ghee. Once the ghee is adequately heated, add to it cumin seeds, asafoetida, turmeric, coriander leaves and curry leaves. Saute the spices for 2 minutes. Now add the prepared tomato paste and saute for 2 minutes. Add in red chilli powder and salt. Now transfer the dal to the pressure cooker. Cook on a medium flame for 2 minutes. Add water, close the pressure cooker and cook the mix for 2 whistles. Let the pressure come down naturally and let the cooker open on its own. Transfer in a serving dish, garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot with steaming rice or chapati.