Aarti Paarti's Indian Lentil Curry -- Dal

Conversation between the two sisters over the phone one day.

Chaya: Are you watching "The Next Food Network Star" on Food Network?
Divya: Nope, I don't find anyone interesting. All last seasons contestants were hopeless including the winners except for Guy Feiri.
C: Oh, this time there is an Indian contestant called Aarti and she is from Mangalore (that's where we are originally from) and she seems good. Looks like she has some talent and is very camera friendly!
D: Really? Hm, still don't think that's good enough a reason for me to start watching it again
C: You know she has a great story too. One that is very inspiring (hint hint sister, this is for you....)
D: What?
C: Yes, She is a North Western grad in journalism. Was working for CNN before she got laid off....
D: (Wow, this seems like me...curious to know more about her now). Oh, tell me more....
C: She and her husband are both currently unemployed and are surviving on unemployment. Last year while she was sitting at home she started taking interest in cooking, and on insistence of her husband started taking cooking classes. He noticed a budding talent in her
D: Wow, that really sounds like me (well, my husband noticed I loved finance more than engineering and persuaded me to follow my dreams! Well, he also started this website for us as he noticed how much my sister and I loved food!  Seems like a lot of similarity to Aarti's life! Well, it doesn't end there -- she has a   younger sister too!!!)
C: She has a great website too. Check out her videos on You Tube under Aartipaarti.

Two days later, I go online and read everything about Aarti. Soon afterwards, I become a convert! I start watching the "The Next Food Network Star" again just to support her. Honestly, when I support Aarti I am not just supporting her but I am also supporting myself -- I also want to be successful in my career and have great dreams for myself! I too came to America like her looking for opportunities. But like her and millions of Americans our dreams were shattered when the economy crumbled and we were asked to go home for no fault of ours....

People like Aarti are inspirational at this time when our future (at least mine!) seems so fragile. She is the symbol of American dream that emphasizes hard work, perseverance and success!!!!

Go girl, we are so proud of you. And thanks Chaya, you are a great support to me and I know that you always want the best for me. I hope not to disappoint you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzpPfr1qY_U&feature=related

1/2 cup toor dal +1cup masoor dal.  Was and add to pressure cooker. Also add 1/2 diced onion + 1 medium diced tomato + 6 garlic cloves+1/4 inch ginger diced. add 2 cups water and pressure cook till the dal is mushy. Heat oil (2 tbsp) in a pan. When it heats up add 1/2 tsp mustard seeds+ 1/2 tsp cumin seeds. When the mustard begins to pop add 2 cloves of garlic + 1 sprig curry leaves +1/3 tsp  asafoetida + 1/2 tsp red chilly powder + 1/4 tsp turmeric powder. Saute for a min. Transfer the dal mixture to this pan. Mix well. Add salt and simmer for 2-3 mins. garnish with coriander leaves.

Enjoy!