Basics: Curry Seasoning/Tempering

People have many names for this in different parts of the country. Telugu speaking people refer to this process as : "Popu" , "Poni" , "Thalimpu", "Thiragamatha". "Tadka" is a common hindi name.Its one of the basic processes for most Indian cooking especially in Andhra Pradesh.

Ingredients:
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1 Tbsp Oil
2 tsp Black Mustard Seeds
1 tsp Cumin
4 Dried Red Chillies OR 4 Slit Green Chillies
1 tsp Turmeric powder
1 sprig of curry leaves

These are the common ingredients I use for my seasoning. Sometimes, depending on the dish i am making, some other ingredients go into it too.

Basically, to prepare the seasoning, just heat the oil, add all the spices and fry until they start spluttering. Then turn off the heat and garnish the curry/dal with it. I refer to this in many recipes I post here.