To begin making the Drumstick Dal, in a pressure cooker combine the toor dal along with onions, tomatoes, chili powder, haldi and green chili, one and a half cups of water, close and pressure cook for three whistles and turn off the heat. 

Allow the pressure to release naturally. Once the pressure has released, open the cooker and give the dal a quick stir. Adjust the consistency to your liking. 

Pressure cook Drumsticks along with 2 tablespoons of water and a pinch of salt for two whistles and release the pressure immediately.

Drumsticks should not become too soft. Cooking drumsticks separately retains their nutrition and color.

Add the cooked drumsticks to the dal and give it a stir. Check the salt and seasonings and adjust according to taste.

The next step is to make the tadka. In a tadka pan, add ghee and allow it to heat; add the mustard seeds and allow it to crackle. Add the asafoetida powder and curry leaves, and dry red chilies stir it in and turn off the heat.

Pour this tempering over the cooked Drumstick Dal and transfer the dal to a serving bowl.

Serve Drumstick Dal along with Pavakkai Poriyal, Rice and a bowl of curd for a wholesome weeknight dinner or even a comforting lunch.