Kadalai Paruppu Masala Sundal

Ingredients:
1 cup bengal gram dal (chana dal)
1-2 green chillies, cut
1/2 inch piece ginger, chopped
2 tbsp coconut gratings
a few cashew nuts (optional), broken into small pieces
1 large onion chopped
1 tbsp chopped coriander
1 tbsp gingely oil
salt to taste

Fry in 1 tsp oil and powder
2-3 cloves
1-2 cardamoms
1/2 inch piece cinnamon
1 tsp poppy seeds (khus khus)
1 tsp aniseeds (saunf)

Seasoning
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
1-2 red chillies, broken
a large pinch of asafoetida
2 sprigs curry leaves

Method:
1. Cook dal in a pressure cooker with some salt. When cool, remove from cooker, strain the excess water, set aside.
2. Heat oil, fry cashew nut pieces, remove, set aside. Add all the seasoning and when done add green chillies, ginger and onions. Fry till onions are lightly browned.
3. Add cooked dal, coconut gratings and masala powder, stir fry 1-2 minutes to remove any moisture.
4. Add chopped coriander and fried cashew nuts, mix. If desired, some lime juice maybe added before serving.