In a pan roast 1 tsp cumin and 1 tsp black pepper on low flame. Roast till u get a nice aroma. Cool and grind to a fine powder. Store in an airtight container.
Wash and soak chana dal for 1 hr. Wash and clean lady finger. Cut the tail and the crown part and slit from both ends. We do not cut the bhindi. In a kadhai heat 1 tbsp oil and saute bhindi for 5 mins on high flame.
In a pressure cooker heat 3 tbsp oil and fry the sliced onions till golden then add ginger garlic paste, chilli powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder and salt. Add a little water and cook the masala on medium flame till oil separates.
Then add the soaked chana dal and mix well and cook for 2 -3 mins on medium flame stirring occasionally. Then add the fried bhindi and sliced tomatoes, mix well. Add 1.5 cups water and cover lid. Cook for 1 whistle on high and 1 on low flame.
When the pressure is released on it's own, then open lid and sprinkle some roasted cumin and pepper powder and serve hot with rice or roti.
