Heat oil in a pan or pot on low flame.
2 tbsp oil
Add the cinnamon stick, star anise, bay leaf, and dry red chili to the oil. Sauté for few seconds.
1 no bay leaf, 1 no star anise, 1 inch cinnamon stick, 1 no dry red chilli
Next, add the cumin seeds and let them splutter.
1 tsp cumin seeds
Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
Add the onion purée to the pan. Cook till the raw smell of onion disappears. Add water and mix well. Cook for another 2 minutes.
1 cup onion puree, 1/4 cup water
Once the onion is cooked, add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin-coriander powder, and garam masala. Mix everything well and let it cook till oil separates.
1/4 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp cumin-coriander powder, 1 1/2 tsp red chili powder, 1/4 tsp garam masala
Now, add the cooked masoor dal, salt, and sugar. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes.
salt, 1/4 tsp sugar
Add slit green chilies and coriander leaves.
1 no slit green chili, 1/4 cup coriander leaves
Serve it hot with steamed rice or roti.