Pakistani Style Chana Dal (Split Yellow Gram Dal)

Ingredients

• 1 cup chana dal (split yellow gram, soaked overnight and drained)
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 1 medium-sized yellow onion (finely diced)
• 1 ½ teaspoon crushed garlic
• 1 ½ teaspoon crushed ginger
• 2 roma tomatoes (finely diced or crushed)
• 2 teaspoons coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• ½ teaspoon garam masala powder
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes
• ½ teaspoon ground red chili powder
• 1 tablespoon and 1 teaspoon salt
• Tadka (optional)
• 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
• ½ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper