Tawa Fish Fry & Bihari Dal Tadka

To Make The Dal

1. In a pressure cooker add the dals and water along with ginger, salt, turmeric powder and green chilli (broken into half), drizzle some oil and give it a mix.
2. Close the cooker with the lid, turn the flame on and wait for it to give 3-4 whistles. Once done, allow it to release all the residual pressure before opening the lid.
3. Open the lid carefully and mash the dal with a wooden churner (Mathani) to get a smooth consistency.
4. Now heat oil in a tempering pan, add Hing and then the cumin seeds
5. As it starts crackling, add the chopped onions and cook till turn into a deep golden brown
6. When you get the right colour, add the red chilli powder and immediately turn the flame off.
7. Add this tadka into the dal mixture, leaving some to add right before serving. Give it a quick stir. Cover and keep aside.

For The Fish

1. In a bowl mix all the above ingredients and make a smooth marinade for the fish.
2. Wash and dry out the fish slices and place them on a plate. Now apply the marinade with your fingers and gently and evenly rub it all over the fish on both sides.
3. Now heat oil in a non-stick pan and then add the marinated slices of fish one by one.
4. Sear the Fish for 2-3 mins on each sides. What you want is a nice charr on each side without overcooking the fish. There is nothing worse than an over cooked slice of fish!
5. Serve on a platter with roundels of onion and lemon wedges.
6. Once ready to eat, heat the dal, pour in the serving dish, add the saved tadka and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
7. Serve along with a bowl of steamed rice and the prepared fried fish.