Sometime, 2005
I was short on cumin seeds and mustard seeds and so on, and up to my nose in cheese. Moral: When in doubt, smile.

Serves 2

INGREDIENTS
Oil
1 medium onion (finely chopped)
1/2″ fresh ginger (grated)
1/4 tsp nutmeg powder
1/2 cup tuvar dal (split red gram)
100 gms cheddar cheese (grated)
Salt to taste

HOW TO
Heat oil in an oven-proof pot.
Fry onions till translucent.
In with the ginger and nutmeg.
Fry dal in the mixture.
Add 1 and 1/2 cups water.
Bring to a boil.
Add salt to taste.
Lower flame.
Remove dal when almost cooked.
Stir in half of the grated cheese.
Spread the remaining on the top.
Into pre-heated oven: 176.6ºC (350ºF).
Give it 15-20 minutes or till the cheese on top acquires a crisp, brown hue.
Spread on desi kadak pau (firm-crusted bread).
Enjoy!