Wash and pressure cook yellow lentils (toor dal, moong dal, or a mix) with turmeric and water until soft.
Mash the cooked dal lightly and set aside.
Heat ghee in a pan and add cumin seeds until they crackle.
Sauté chopped onions, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes until soft and fragrant.
Add turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt, then cook the masala for a few minutes.
Pour the cooked dal into the pan, mix well, and simmer for 8–10 minutes.
Finish with a tempering of ghee, garlic, dried red chilies, and cumin. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot.