Heat oil or ghee in a pan or pot over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
2 tablespoons oil or ghee, 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and finely chopped green chilies. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
4-5 nos garlic cloves, 1/2 inch piece of ginger, 1-2 nos green chilies
Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
1 no onion
Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy.
1 no tomato
Next, add turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, and coriander powder. Sauté for a minute.
1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon red chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin-coriander powder
Add the chopped fenugreek leaves (methi) and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they wilt down.
1 cup fresh fenugreek leaves
Now, add the whisked dal, salt, sugar, garam masala, and water. Mix till everything is combined. Let it come to a boil.
Salt, water, 1/8 teaspoon sugar
Check the consistency. If it's too thick, add more water to reach your desired consistency. Adjust salt if needed.
Serve hot with steamed rice or roti. You can also serve it with lemon wedges for an extra tangy flavor.