Simple Dal (Microwave version)

Ingredients:
Masoor dal - 1/2 cup
Spring onions - 4 (chopped)
Ginger - 2 tsp. (chopped)
Garlic - 2 cloves (crushed)
Tomatoes - 2 (small-chopped)
Green chillies - 2 (slit lengthily)
Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp.
Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp.
Cumin powder - 1/2 tsp.
Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp.
Garam masala - 1/2 tsp.
Curry leaves - 10 leaves
Coriander leaves - 2 tbsp. (chopped)
Asafoetida - 1 pinch (optional)
Lemon juice - few drops (optional)
Salt (to taste)
Oil - 2 tsp.

Method:
Soak dal in 1 cup of water for 30 minutes.
In a deep microwave safe bowl add the dal with the soaked water and also add 1/2 cup of water to 1 cup of water.
Cover and cook at microwave high for 10 to 12 minutes or until dal's cooked. Stir in between. Be careful!
In another microwave bowl, add oil, mustard and cumin seeds. Microwave for 2 minutes.
Add chopped spring onions, ginger, garlic, green chillies and microwave for another 2 minutes. Stir in between.
Add tomatoes and microwave for 3 minutes.
Now add this mixture to the dal and stir.
Add salt, cumin powder, turmeric powder and water if required and stir.
Microwave for 3 minutes and stir.
Add garam masala, curry leaves and coriander leaves. Microwave for 2 minutes. Stir.
Add lemon juice (I didn't add lemon juice and asafoetida) and serve immediately.
Enjoy with plain rice or with chapati.

Note:
I didn't have a bowl of long depth, so I used the normal regular ones and the dal water leaked out of it on the turntable (the rotating glass plate).
I didn't mash the dal.

Updated on 14/06/10
Edit:
-Soak the dal before cooking in the microwave.
-The dal should be cooked without any lid closed on the vessel.
-The water dries up while cooking. Check every 2-3 minutes for the moisture and add a little amount of water every time when it dries up. This is to prevent the dal from being burned.

WARNING: DO NOT COOK IN PLASTIC!

-Use a microwave proof dish or a corningware dish.

Sent off to "MEC-Delicious Dals" (hosted by Kamalika and started by Srivalli), "Think Spice Think Garam Masala" (hosted by Saraswathi and started by Sunitha) and "Healing Foods-Onions" (hosted by Priya and started by Siri).

Posted in: Masoor dal, side dish