Panch Dal / Five Lentil Stew

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup Channa dal
• 1/4 cup Urad Dal
• 1/4 cup Masoor dal
• 1/4 cup Toor dal
• 1/4 cup Mung dal
• 5 cups warm water
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp red chilli powder
• 1/2 tsp aamchur powder/ dry mango powder
• 1 tbsp oil or 1 tablespoon ghee
• 1 large onion, chopped, finely
• 1 tbsp garlic clove, crushed
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp saunf / fennel seeds
• 2-3 bay leaf
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
• 2 large tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tsp salt (to taste)

Method:

• Wash and soak all dals in a 1 cup warm water for at least an hour. Drain and keep aside.
• Add 4 cups warm water and cook soaked dals in a pressure cooker for 15 to 20 minutes, over medium flame, till the dals are cooked.
• Heat the oil or ghee in a pan, add bay leaf, cumin seeds and fennel seeds allow the seeds to crackle.
• Add the onions and crushed garlic and cook till they are golden brown.
• Add the tomatoes, cinnamon powder, red chilli powder, turmeric powder and cook for 4 to 5 minutes.
• Add garam masala and aamchur powder then add the cooked dals and salt and allow the dal to come to a boil.
• Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or roti.