Kaali dal

We all love mah ki dal, or kaali dal, but I rarely make it, because I always felt it is best left to the experts. But after moving to the new place, I found that none of the restaurants here serve kaali dal, so have no choice but to start making it!

1 cup whole urad dal
1 tbsp chana dal

2 onions
2 tomatoes
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
2 bay leaves
1 inch piece cinnamon
1 star anise
1 badi elaichi
4-6 cloves
4 tsp dhania powder
2 tsp jeera powder
2 tsp red chilli powder
2 tsp kasoori methi
salt to taste
2 tbsp cooking oil

4 tbsp cream


Method:
Wash the dals, soak for about 2 hours, and pressure cook till cooked.
Meanwhile, mince the onions, and keep aside. Puree the tomatoes and keep aside.
Heat the oil, add all the whole masalas and stir around for a few seconds. Add onion paste and ginger garlic paste, and cook on a low flame till the raw smell goes.
Add tomato puree, and the powdered masalas and keep cooking till the masala leaves the edges of the vessel.
Add the cooked dal, and mix well. Add water, if required, to get the desired consistency. Bring to boil, reduce the flame and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
Add kasuri methi and cream, mix well, and serve.