METHOD:

1. Boil the toor dal in the pressure cooker for only two whistles. It should be just boiled and not too soft.

2. In the blender, grind together 2 onions, garlic, ginger, coriander leaves, tomatoes, cumin seeds, coriander powder and the red chilies or chili powder.

3. Slice the other onion finely and keep aside.

4. Melt butter in a pan and fry the sliced onion with the cardamoms, cinnamon stick and cloves.

5. When the onions are turning a little brown, add the ground masala and fry around 15-20 minutes. All the water should have evaporated and the paste should be dry.

6. Now add the boiled dal to it and add a little water to make gravy. Add salt to taste.

7. Boil for a while till you get the required consistency. This is really delicious if you make it right. It is also very easy.

8. The trick here is to fry the masala well. Serve hot with rice and papad.