Wash the moong dal under running cold water till water runs clear.

Take washed moong dal in pressure cooker with 1 cup of water.

Cover with lid, put the weight on and turn the heat on medium.

Let it cook for 2 whistles on medium heat.

Let the pressure go down by itself then open the lid. It should be cooked, soft and almost mushy.

Heat the oil in a pan on medium heat.

Once hot add mustard seeds and let them pop. Now add cumin seeds and let the sizzle.

Now add ginger paste, garlic paste, green chilies and curry leaves. Saute for a minute.

Then add chopped onions, sprinkle the salt.

Cook till onions get translucent and soft or light pink in color. If using tomatoes, add at this time, cook till tomatoes are slightly soft.

Now add red chili powder, turmeric powder and coriander powder. Mix well and cook for a minute.

Then add cooked dal along with about 1 cup of water. Mix well.

Let it simmer for 5 minutes.

Lastly add lemon juice and mix.

Turn off the stove.

You can add chopped coriander leaves at the end for garnishing.