Pigeon Pea Paste (Aka Arhar Dal Or Toovar Dal) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs dried whole pigeon peas (3 cups)
6 cups water
3 drops canola oil (to prevent foaming if using pressure cooker)

Preparation

Pick over the peas and wash them well. Drain. Soak the peas overnight in water to cover by 5 inches. Drain, discard soaking liquid.
PRESSURE COOKER METHOD:
Put the drained peas in a pressure cooker and cover with water by 1/2 inch. Add a few drops of cooking oil to prevent foaming. Put the lid on and bring up to pressure. Cook for 15 minutes. Allow the pressure to drop by itself.
NON-PRESSURE COOK METHOD:
Put the drained peas in a medium pan along with water to cover them by 2 inches and bring it to a boil. Cover partially, turn the heat down to low, and simmer gently until the beans are tender, 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours.