First of all, wash the masoor dal or the lentils very well in water. Keep them aside.
Heat some oil in a pressure cooker. Temper it with a bay leaf, some cumin seeds (or Panch Phoron) and a dry red chilly (optional).
Now, add the potato cubes into the cooker. Fry it till slightly golden for about 2-3 minutes.Frying the potato prior to adding the veggies will enhance the flavor of the daal. After that, add in the chopped vegetables except the tomatoes in the cooker. Saute those for a minute or two.
Then add the tomatoes and mix them all well. Since tomatoes do not take much time to cook, that is why we have added them later.
Saute the veggies for 2-3 minutes or so. Then add the turmeric powder and salt into it. Mix all the ingredients well so that the veggies are well coated with the spices.
Now add the masoor dal in the cooker.
Mix them all nicely and saute for a few seconds.
After that, add the coriander and cumin powder as well. You can add 1 teaspoon of grounded pepper also.
Finally, goes in the water (2 cups water) and cover the cooker with the lid. Pressure cook the dal till 3-4 whistles on high flame.
Turn off the flame and wait till the pressure is released from the cooker.
Masoor Dal is ready to serve. Enjoy this delicious recipe with some steamed rice or with phulka rotis.