Soak the urad dal in water for 4 – 5 hours or overnight.
Combine the dal, cardamom pods, bay leaf, chopped tomato, ginger – garlic paste, coconut milk, salt, red chili flakes, turmeric powder, and 2 cups of water in a pot. Mix well to combine.
Boil and cook over low heat for 30 minutes or till urad dal gets tender.
Heat coconut oil in a pan, add the cumin seeds. When the seeds crackle, add the onions, and cook till the onion turns golden brown.
Add onion and garam masala to the dal.
Let the dal simmer over low heat for a few minutes.
Garnish urad dal with fried almond slices and fresh coriander leaves.
