Take measured dal, rinse it well and add to pressure cooker / instant pot. Detailed step by step post for cooking dal in instant pot is given here.
Add salt, turmeric powder and 2 cups water to it. Give a quick mix. Close with lid, put the whistle on.
Pressure cook for 5 whistles in low medium flame. If you keep in high flame it splutters a lot so its best to cook in low medium flame itself.
Let pressure release by itself then mash dal well with a laddle. Set aside.
To a kadai - heat oil / ghee add mustard seeds let it splutter then add cumin seeds let it crackle then add curry leaves and red chillies, give a quick saute.
You can add 1 teaspoon oil with 1 teaspoon ghee too. I usually temper in oil and add ghee while serving!
Now add finely chopped ginger and garlic.
Give a quick saute until its golden.
Now add onion, required salt. Keep an eye while adding salt as we have added salt while cooking dal also.
Saute well until golden.
Add tomatoes.
Saute until mushy and tomatoes shrink fully. Now add red chilli powder and turmeric powder.
Add cooked dal along with 1/2 cup water.
Rinse the cooker with water and add it may be another 1/2 cup water. Adjust consistency accordingly.
Mix well and let dal boil for 7-10 mins in low flame. Stir in between to avoid burning at the bottom.
Finally add garam masala powder, coriander leaves and kasoori methi.
Give a quick mix and switch off.
Delicious dal fry is ready. Serve it with ghee.