Instructions

preparation
Pick and rinse the dal well.
Soak the dal for an hour in water.
Meanwhile take 1 inch cinnamon, 2 green cardamoms and 2 to 3 cloves.
Crush the whole spices in a mortar-pestle, till they are powdered. place the spice powder aside.
If you want to reduce the soaking time of dal, then heat water and soak the dal in hot water for 30 minutes. drain the water.
making cholar dal
Once the dal is soaked, then drain all the water. Add the soaked chana dal and turmeric powder in the pressure cooker.
Next add water.
On a medium to high flame pressure cook the dal for 4 to 5 whistles.
The grains should be separate and yet cooked thoroughly.
Once the pressure settles down on its own, then remove the lid
Add sugar and salt to the dal. if using cashews and raisins then add them now.
Stir and keep the cooker on a low flame to simmer the dal, till the water reduces a bit.
When you add the tempering to the dal, it should have the right consistency - meaning it should be slightly thick.
Remember that on cooling the dal will become more thick.
While the dal is simmering and has begun to get thick, prepare the tempering.
tempering for cholar dal
Heat ½ tablespoon ghee or oil in a pan. First add the following spices - 1 bay leaf (tej patta) and ½ teaspoon cumin seeds.
Next add 1 teaspoon grated ginger. Also add 2 to 3 dry red chilies, 1 pinch of asafoetida (hing) along the powdered whole spices.
Fry till they become aromatic. This takes a few seconds. Then pour this tempering in the dal. Mix well.
Stir and then add cumin powder and red chili powder. Mix well.
Simmer the dal for 1 to 2 minutes more.
In the same pan take 1 tablespoon ghee or oil. Add 2 tablespoon of chopped or grated coconut (nariyal). fry till the coconut becomes light brown.
Add the fried coconut along with the ghee or oil to the dal. Mix well.
Serve cholar dal with luchi, bengali peas kachori and even steamed rice if you prefer