Masala Chana Dal - Spiced Split Grams

Ingredients

• 1 + 1/4 cup chana dal/hulled &; split bengal gram
• 2 tablespoon ghee or oil
• 1 green cardamom
• 1 inch cinnamon stick
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• a generous pinch of hing/asafoetida
• 1/2 cup chopped red onion
• 1 tablespoon chili garlic paste or (3/4 tablespoon garlic paste + 1 teaspoon red chili powder)
• 4 tablespoon tomato paste + 3/4 cup water or 1 cup grated fresh juicy tomato
• salt to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon slivered fresh ginger, (cut into paper thin slices after peeling the ginger)
• fresh cilantro/coriander + some thinly sliced green chili pepper for garnish
• fresh lemon juice to finish it off right before serving