Black Lentils(Kali dal) Curry

* 1 cup kali dal(mah dal/black lentils)
* 6 cups water 1 fresh green chili chopped
* 3 tbsps vegetable oil
* 1 inch ginger, peeled and chopped
* into tiny pieces
* 2 tsp coriander powder
* 1 tsp garam masala
* 1 tsp cumin seeds
* 1 tsp salt
* 1 tsp black pepper
* 2 tsp heavy cream (optional)
* Coriander leaves to garnish


Wash the dal in several changes of water. Drain and add the water. Add salt, coriander powder and half of the ginger; cook on low heat for 2 - 3 hours or pressure cook for 30 mins. Meanwhile, heat the oil, add remaining ginger, chili, and fry until golden brown. Add the cumin and pepper and stir.
Pour the above mixture into the dal and simmer for at least another 30 minutes. Add heavy cream and simmer until the lentils are thoroughly soft.
Garnish with coriander leaves before serving.