Heat 1 tbsp. oil and fry the onions till light brown. Add the ginger-garlic paste and saute for a minute.
Then add the tomatoes and all the dry spices. Sprinkle some water and continue to fry on a medium flame till it is mashed.
Add the soaked dal and saute for a minute. Add 1 1/2 cups water and pressure cook for 10 minutes on a medium flame after the first whistle.
Heat the remaining oil and temper with the panch phoron. After it stops spluttering, add the garlic and fry till it changes colour.
Switch off the flame and add the red chili powder. Mix well and pour this tempering on the boiled dal. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve with rice or chapattis.