Add soaked and rinsed lentils and 6 cups of water in a stockpot. Add 2 teaspoon of salt and bring to a boil. Simmer and cook partially covered on low heat for about 30 minutes.
2 cups 400 g whole urad dal, soaked 6-8 hours, drained and rinsed, 6 cups water, 2 teaspoon salt
Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat, and add coconut oil.
1 tbsp. coconut oil
Once the coconut oil is melted and hot, add the dice onion and a pinch of salt to the skillet.
1 large onion
Sauté onions for about 6-8 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
Add the garlic, ginger, and chilies to the same pan and sauté for another 1-2 minutes.
4 cloves garlic, 2 tbsps. fresh ginger, 1-2 chiles
Add the curry powder and garam masala and give them a good mix.
1 tbsp. curry powder, 1 teaspoon garam masala
Remove from heat.
Once the lentils are tender, add the tomato, the onion, and the herb mixture to the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook another 5-10 minutes uncovered, until desired consistency.
1 ½ cups diced tomatoes
Pour lemon juice over the dal. Adjust seasoning according to desired taste. Add the cilantro to garnish, and serve hot with basmati rice.
¼ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice, ½ cup cilantro, basmati rice