1. Using a crock pot you will cook the dal. Put the crock pot at low heat then add:
   • 1 cup toor dal
   • 3 cups water
2. Cook for 3-4 hours and periodically stir.
   • Pro Tip: If the water burns off and the dal gets stuck to the bottom add ⅓ cup of water and stir. 
3. Once the dal has completely broken down and there are no chunks turn off the crock pot.
4. Add the cooked dal into a medium sauce pan and then turn to medium heat.
5. While the dal is warming up slowly add 1 cup of water and constantly stir.
6. Once the cup of water is added use an immersion blender to smooth out the dal.
   • Pro Tip: If the water burns off and the dal gets stuck to the bottom add 2 tablespoons of water and stir. 
7. Once the immersion blender has mixed all of the dal add:
   • ¾ teaspoon ginger root
   • ¼ teaspoon thai chili
   • ½ cup tomato
   • ½ teaspoon turmeric
   • 2 teaspoon coriander powder
   • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
   • ½ teaspoon tamarind paste
   • 2 tablespoon raw peanuts
8. Bring to a boil for a few minutes then lower to simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes.
   • Pro Tip: Periodically stir to avoid the dal from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan. If needed add 2 tablespoons of water and stir.
9. While the dal is cooking in a  medium pan at medium heat add:
   • 2 tablespoons canola oil
   • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard seeds
   • 1 whole dried chili
   • ½ cup tomato
10. Cover pan with lid until yellow mustard seeds begin to pop.
11. Lower heat once all mustard seeds are dark brown(almost black) and continue to cook for a few minutes
    • Pro Tip: Periodically stir to avoid the tomato from sticking to the bottom of the pan. If needed add 2 tablespoons of water and stir.
12. Once the tomatoes are soft and the mixture is thick remove from heat.
13. return to the dal sauce pan and add:
    • the tomato mixture from the pan
    • 1 cup of water
    • ½ cup cilantro
14. Cook for a few minutes.
    • Flavor Test:  You should start to taste to see if you want to adjust the flavor. Below are recommended incremental measurements you could use to adjust flavor:
      • ¼ teaspoon ginger root
      • pinch of salt
      • pinch of thai chili
15. If you added any additional spice cook for another 5 minutes if not you can remove from heat. 

Serving Recommendation

I recommend you pair with Indian rice.