Simple toor dal cooked in enormous quantities at Gurdwara community kitchens — the democratic preparation that is served freely to all visitors regardless of religion or status.
Ingredients
3/4 cup toor dal
1/4 cup chana dal
3.5 cups water
1/2 tsp turmeric
1 medium tomato — finely chopped
For tempering:
2 tbsp oil (never butter or ghee in the purist langar tradition)
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 medium onion — finely chopped
1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
1/2 tsp red chilli powder
1 tsp coriander powder
Salt
Fresh coriander
Method
Wash both dals together. Pressure cook with 3.5 cups water, turmeric and finely chopped tomato for 5 whistles until completely soft.
Whisk lightly. Season with salt.
For tempering: heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan. Add cumin — sizzle.
Add finely chopped onion. Cook on medium for 8 minutes until golden.
Add ginger-garlic paste. Cook 2 minutes. Add red chilli powder and coriander powder. Cook 2 minutes.
Pour the entire tempering over the dal. Stir.
Garnish with fresh coriander.
This is intentionally simple dal — humble, nourishing and made with dignity for everyone who comes to eat.