Pick and rinse the toor dal or split pigeon peas well. If not using a pressure cooker, you can soak the lentils for 30-45 minutes.
Heat oil in a pressure cooker. Temper with mustard seeds, cumin seeds. Add slit green chilies and minced ginger. Saute well for a minute.
Once the ginger is sauteed well add chopped onions and saute for 2 minutes.
Add chopped tomatoes and saute well.
Now add turmeric powder and chili powder. Mix well and cook till tomatoes turn mushy.
Add the drained toor dal and mix well.
Season with salt.
Add 2 cups water and mix well. Close the cooker and pressure cook up-to 4 whistles.
Once the pressure settles down, open the cooker and mix well.
Add chopped cilantro leaves and mix well. Serve tomato dal hot with rice