Add the moong dal, coconut milk and turmeric to a pan. Pour over 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to very low so that it's very gently bubbling.Cover and cook for 35 minutes until the dal is soft and creamy, then remove from the heat.NOTE: you will most likely need to add more water during the cooking if the dal becomes too thick. The consistency should be similar to a creamy soup, so adjust accordingly. (See video recipe for a guide.)
Using a wok or deep frying pan over a moderate heat, add the ghee an let it get hot.Add the cumin seeds, mustard seeds and dried chillies and let them sizzle for 20 seconds.Add the curry leaves and let them splutter briefly before adding the shallots, followed by the green chilli, chilli powder, salt and then finally tomato. Stir and reduce the heat to low - let this all sizzle for 1 minute, stirring constantly.Remove from the heat.
Tip the tadka into the dal (reserve a little for garnish) and stir in well.
When you're ready to serve, heat the tadka until it starts to sizzle again and then pour ot over a serving bowl of hot dal. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro if you like.
Video
Notes
Cooking in the Instant Pot
The lentils break down quickly, so only need around 10 minutes of high-pressure cooking. Then, follow the same method for the tadka.
Change the tadka ingredients
You can change the flavour by choosing your favourite whole or ground spices or fresh ingredients for the. Try some of these suggestions: Whole or ground spices: Cloves, cardamom, black cardamom, cinnamon, poppy seeds, fenugreek seeds, fennel seeds, aniseed, nigella seeds, coriander seeds/powder, paprika, garam masala Fresh ingredients: ginger, garlic, carrot, celery, radish, caramelised onion, scallion
Serving suggestions
Serve parippu with fluffy basmati rice or a selection of Indian breads like roti, paratha, idli, dosa or uttapam.
Parippu curry will work excellently on its own as a main course and also alongside other veg or non-veg Indian and Sri Lankana dishes
Storage
Parippu stays fresh in the fridge for 4-5 days in a sealed container
Freeze in portions on its own or with a little rice. The two will cook evenly in the microwave. Parippu will freeze for 3+ months.