Wash and soak toor dal in water for at least 20 minutes.

In a pressure cooker, add soaked toor dal, garlic pods, turmeric powder and castor oil.

Add in roughly chopped tomatoes too.

Now add water and pressure cook the dal for 3 whistles and simmer for 5 minutes.

Let the pressure release naturally and open the pressure cooker.

Mash the dal if needed.

Heat oil / ghee in a pan and add mustard seeds. Once mustard seeds crackle add cumin seeds.

Now add chopped onions, green chillies, red chillies and curry leaves.

Add asafoetida and saute till the onions are slightly browned.

Add the salt required for this dish.

Once onions are cooked enough, add red chilli powder and garam masala powder. Saute the masala powders in oil till the raw smell of masala powders go off.

Add the cooked dal and mix well.

If needed add some water to adjust the consistency and bring it to a boil.

Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes.

Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot !!