First, rinse off the chana dal in water very well. Soak it in water for at least 1-2 hours.
After 2 hours, wash the dal once again. Pressure cook the dal on high flame till 4-5 whistles or as required. Make sure the dal is cooked well.
While the dal is getting cooked, chop the tomato into small pieces. Also chop some ginger and garlic.
Now, heat some mustard oil in a heavy bottomed pan. Temper it with few cumin seeds, bay leaves and dry red chilies. Also add a few peanut or badam if you want.
Then, add the chopped tomatoes and ginger and garlic. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes till the raw flavor is gone.
After that, goes in the cooked chana dal.
Sprinkle a little salt as per taste. Also add turmeric and red chili powder.
Add some cumin and coriander powder.
Next pour some extra water if required.
Mix all the ingredients very nicely. Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook on medium-high flame for about 5-8 minutes. Turn off the flame when the curry consistency becomes perfect for you.
Chana Dal is ready to be served.