Tomato pappu [Tomatoes cooked with Lentils]

"Tomato pappu" (telugu word)- is nothing but basically tomatoes cooked with Lentils and some spices. This is a very common vegetarian recipe from India. It is popular in both the north and southern parts of India. It is not only tasty but also healthy when cooked the right way. It is great with rice, roti, and yogurt. People make it at least once or twice every week in India. For some families it is a must have every day. Its very easy to make and take less time too if you have the dal cooked already. Since I like spicy food, I made a spicy version of Tomato pappu.

Ingredients:

Tomatoes - 3
Onions - 2
Precooked Toor dal - 1 cup
Oil - 2 tbsp
Hing - 1 pinch
Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
Chana dal - 1 tsp
Turmeric powder - 1 pinch
Urad dal - 1 tsp
Dried Red chillies - 2
Curry leaf - few
Green chilli - 1
Salt - to taste
Ginger garlic paste - 1 tsp
Red chillipowder - to taste

Procedure:

1. Heat 1tbsp oil in a pan. Add 1/2 tsp of Cumin seeds and 1/2 tsp of mustard seeds.
2. Once they start to crackle add the green chilli and ginger garlic paste and let it cook for few seconds.
3. Add chopped onions to the above and let it cook till onions turn translucent.
4. Add chopped tomatoes and cook till they become soft.  
5. Add in precooked toor dal and mix well. 
6. Add salt and chilli powder and cook for few minutes and adjust the seasoning at this point to your taste.
7. In another pan heat 1 tbsp oil. Add mustard and cumin seeds and let them crackle. 
8. Add turmeric powder, chana dal, urad dal, curry leaf,  red chillies, hing and let them fry for few seconds. This is the tempering used in the recipe.
9. Add this tempering to the curry in step 5. Mix well and serve.

Enjoy with some hot rice or Chapathi on the side!!!!