Cholar Dal (Bengal Gram - Bengali style)
Largely based on this Pressure Cook 1 cup of Chana Dal (Bengal Gram) with almost 2 & 1/2 cups of water 1 green cardamom, 1 clove, 1/4 tsp of turmeric and salt to taste (around 1/2tsp? more?) for 6 minutes after steam has built up in the cooker or say about 10-12 mins on the whole - basically "till its done" (yeah, a little experimentation here might be necessary) Heat 1 tbsp of Ghee (or Oil - go with the Ghee. It tastes better ) in a pot. ( For a pop of flavor, add Mustard Oil instead of Ghee ) Add to the oil 1 small bay leaf, 2-3 green cardamom, 2-3 cloves, 1" thin stick of cinnamon and 2 dry red chilis Once you get a pretty little aroma o' spices, add 2 tbsp freshly grated coconut (you can find the stuff frozen in the freezer section of your friendly Indian grocery store) and fry the whole thing till the coconut browns. Add a pinch of asafoetidia ...