Moong Dal

1:4 :: dal:water

Haldi, salt in pot (not pressure cooker). Let cook for about 20-30 minutes, skim occasionally.

Tadka:

Chop onions.

Heat ghee in a frying pan about 3 min, add zeera, let darken ( till you can smell it), add chopped white onion, leave on med-high, stir occasionally. Cook for about 7-8 min, until zeera is beginning to blacken and onions are brown around the edges, Add red chili powder. Add to dal. If needed add water at this point -- can use to collect some of the tadka. Let it boil for about 5-7 minutes.

(UP alternative -- in butter warmer, heat ghee, add pinch of hing, move off flame, add red chili powder and dhaniya powder -- be generous with both. Return to flame, stir for a few min, add to dal. Garnish with dhaniya. Serve with rice.)