Wash and cook the dals in a pressure cooker for about 4 whistles.
:- They should be thoroughly mashed.
Heat oil in a pan or a kadai.
Add cumin seeds.
Add the chopped onion and fry till it becomes golden- brown.
Add the dried red chillies, salt and asafoetida and fry for a few seconds.
Put all the masalas and the ginger-garlic paste and fry till the oil separates.
Add the cooked dal mixture to this and pour enough water to make it viscous.
:- I generally add 1/2 cup and then add more if required.
:- The dal should have a creamy texture to it.
Let this simmer for a few mins.
Add the lemon juice and turn off the stove.
Garnish with chopped cilantro and unsalted butter.
:- Serve with jeera rice or rotis or parathas.
:- The quantities of the masalas depend on the amount of dal used. If using a bigger measuring cup, please increase the amounts of spices too.