Title: Masala dal
 Categories: Main dish, Indian, Vegetarian
      Yield: 4 servings
 
  1 1/2 c  Yellow split peas
    1/3 ts Turmeric
      2 ts Salt
    1/2 c  Ghee
      1 ts Cumin seeds
  1 1/2 c  Finely chopped onions
    1/4 ts Red pepper
      2 tb Chopped coriander leaves
 
  Wash peas well.  Place in a bowl, cover with hot water & let sit for
  an hour.  Drain.  Place in a large pot, add 4 1/2 cups water & throw
  in the turmeric.  Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.  Reduce
  heat to medium low, partially cover & simmer for 45 minutes.  Remove
  from heat, beat with a wire whisk till the mixture is finely pureed.
  Stir in salt & set aside.
  
  When ready to serve, simmer puree over low heat till piping hot.
  Heat ghee in a skillet over medium high heat.  When very hot, add
  cumin seeds & fry for 10 seconds.  Lower heat, add onions & fry for
  20 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.  Stir in red
  pepper & immediately pour in to the puree.  Garnish with coriander.
  
  Serve with a potato dish, rice & bread.
  
  Julie Sahni, "Classic Indian Cooking"