Indian dal in a slow cooker

Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp chopped ginger root (about 2.5 cm)
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• A pinch of cayenne pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 can (425 g) canned diced tomatoes
• 70 g dried mushrooms (e.g. shiitake)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 450 g red lentils (about 2 cups)
• 1 dried red Thai chili pepper (optional)
• Juice of 1 lime + wedges, for serving
• Toasted coconut flakes and salted roasted cashews, to serve
• Special equipment: multicooker with a capacity of 6-8 liters.

Preparation:

1. Set a 6-quart multicooker to the saute setting (see Note) and add 4 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 5-6 minutes. Add the ginger, coriander, turmeric, cumin, cayenne pepper, and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic and ginger are softened and fragrant, 1-2 minutes.
2. Add the tomatoes, mushrooms, tomato paste, and 4.5 cups of water and stir well. Bring the liquid to a boil, turn off the slow cooker, and cover with a lid. Let the mushrooms soften in the liquid for about 10 minutes.
3. Add the lentils, chili, 1 tablespoon of salt, and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Following the manufacturer's instructions, close the lid and prepare the multicooker for use. Set the pressure cooker to high pressure for 2 minutes (see Note).
4. Once the pressure cooker cycle is complete, follow the manufacturer's instructions to quickly release the pressure and wait for the cycle to complete. Being careful not to burn yourself with residual steam, open and remove the lid. Remove the chili and add the lime juice and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
5. Thin the dal to the desired consistency, adding up to 0.5 cups of water. Divide among bowls and top with coconut flakes, cashews, and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve.
   
   Note
   
   Multicooker settings may vary depending on the model. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.