1. Season 1/2 cup tuvar dal with 1/2 tsp. each of ground turmeric and salt.  Add 1 1/4 cup water and cook until lentils are done.  If cooking in Instant Pot, cook on “multigrain” setting for 20 mins. with vent closed.

2. While the dal is cooking, heat 1 tsp. oil in a small pan on med. heat for 2 mins.  Add 1/2 tsp. cumin seeds and cook for 2 mins. till the seeds pop.

3. Add 1/2 tsp. green chili and 1 dried chili.  Cook for 1 min.

4. Add 1 tbsp. ginger-garlic paste.  Cook for 1-2 mins.

5. Turn off stove, add 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper and mix.

6. When dal is cooked, transfer to a deep bottomed pan.  Add 1/2 cup water and mix.

7. Turn heat upto med. and cook dal for 2 mins.  Add half the tempering oil with spices, mix and cook for another 3 mins.  

8. Turn off the stove.  Add a few drops of lemon.

9. Taste and adjust seasoning (if necessary add more salt/lemon–as per your preference)

10. Add the other half of the tempering oil on the surface of the dal.

8. Garnish with cilantro and serve.  Dal Tadka is ready.