Okra - or any vegetable like green beans or carrots if you want to add it to the dal - or you can leave the veggies out

I first pressured cookered the dal, along with the tomatoes, a pinch of tumeric and 3 cloves of garlic. I made sure the water level was above the dal, so if you are measuring, it will be about 3 cups. I let it cook for about 3 whistles

In the mean time heat some oil in a pan and add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Next add the red chillies and the curry leaves. After a minute add the onions and let it cook until the onions go transparent. If you are adding any veggies, this is the time. Since I added okra, I added it at this time and let it cook for a little bit. Add the pinch of asafoetida powder at this point

Let it cook for a litte bit and then add the cooked dal. Add some water if its too thick, and if its too watery, let it cook until it cooks down to the desired consistency. Add the required amount of salt

Once its done, garnish it with some freshly chopped coriander if you like

Serve it hot with some rice!