Panchmel Dal/ Panchratan Dal

Its a popular Rajasthani dal. Panchmel ('Panch' means Five, 'mel' means Mix) daal is a combination of 5 daals- Chana dal, Split Urad dal, Whole Moong dal,  Arhar dal and red masoor dal.

Ingredients:

• Chana dal: 1/4 cup
• Split Urad dal: 1/4 cup
• Whole Moong dal: 1/4 cup
• Arhar/Toor dal: 1/4 cup
• Red Masoor dal: 1/4 cup
• Salt: to taste
• Turmeric pwd: a pinch
• For tempering:

• Ghee: 1-2 tbsp
• Hing: a pinch
• Jeera: 1/2 tsp
• Jeera pwd: 1 tsp
• Dry Whole Red Chilly: 2
• Ginger and green chilli paste: 1 tsp
• Tomatoes: 2 (chopped)
• Onion: 1 (chopped) (Optional as it is not added in authentic recipe)
• Dhaniya pwd: 1 tsp
• Garam masala pwd: 1/2 tsp (optional)
• Cloves: 3-4
• Cardamom: 1
• Fresh coriander leaves
• Lemon juice

Method:

1. Wash and soak all the 5 daals in water for 2 hours.
2. Add salt, haldi and pressure daals with 3 cups of water. Take 1 whistle and cook on low gas for 15 mins. 
3. Crush cloves and cardamom to form a powder.
4. Tempering:
• Heat ghee in pan. Add hing, cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
• Add whole red chilli, ginger and green chilli paste. Cook for a min.
• Add onions. Cook for few mins. Add tomatoes. Cook till tomatoes are done.
5. Add tempering to the dal. Add dhaniya pwd and cumin pwd. Cook  for another 10 mins.
6. Before serving, add 1tsp ghee, a few drops of lemon juice and garnish with coriander leaves.
7. Serve with chapati or parantha or rice.