Clean whole Masoor dal, wash then soak dal in water for 8 hours or the entire night. Remove water from dal and wash again. Put the Masoor dal in a cooker, add 2 cups water, baking soda and salt. Close the lid and place the dal on the gas to cook. After 1 whistle goes off lower the flame and cook dal for another 3-4 minutes. Turn off the gas, until all of the pressure escapes from the cooker let us prepare the spices.