Rinse the dal 2-3 times until the water runs clear.
Press SAUTE mode on Instant Pot. Heat 2 tablespoons oil (or ghee) add cumin seeds, and let them splutter.
Next, add dried red chili, and asafoetida (hing). Saute for a few seconds.
Then stir in the onions, and salt and mix well. Saute for 3-4 minutes or until onions turn light brown.
Add minced ginger garlic, and green chilies. Saute till the raw smell of the ginger-garlic goes away.
Then add 1 cup of finely chopped (or pureed) tomatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or till the tomatoes are soft and mushy.
Add spices like red chili powder, turmeric powder, and coriander powder. Mix well. Cook the masala until the oil oozes out from the sides.
Then add 1 cup of rinsed dal, and 3 cups of water and give a stir. No need to soak the dal for this recipe.
Close the lid securely, and turn the vent to "SEALING". Select the PRESSURE COOK/MANUAL (High Pressure) setting and set the cooking time to 8 minutes.
When the instant pot beeps, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure before removing the lid.
You can adjust the consistency of the dal at this point. If it's too thick, turn on SAUTE mode, add ½ to 1 cup of water and simmer for 2 minutes.
Then crush some Kasuri methi between your palms and add to the dal along with garam masala. Mix well. Taste and adjust more salt if required.
Finally, add lime/lemon juice and chopped coriander leaves. Mix well. Turn off the heat.Serve Dal fry hot with basmati rice, pickle, papad or roti, or naan.