Different techniques of cooking lentils

In the Pressure cooker

Place lentils in a stainless steel or other container that can be used in a pressure cooker. Fill with water and swirl with your hands a few times and drain water. Refill with water that is at least 1/2 an inch above the lentils. Let lentils soak in this water for about 20 to 30 minutes. Place container in the pressure cooker and cook until soft. In my pressure cooker that usually translates to 2 to 3 whistles

On the Stove Top
Follow the step above until letting the lentils soak for about 30 mins. Place lentils along with water in a heavy bottomed pan and place on heat. Allow to cook, stirring often and adding water as required until lentils are soft.

In the microwave
Place lentils in a shallow microwave safe dish. Follow the step in first method until soaking for 30 minutes.
Cook on high in 2 minute increments, stirring occasionally and adding water as required until lentils are cooked and soft.

Blanching tomatoes- With Stepwise pictures

The process of blanching tomatoes involves dipping tomatoes in hot water to help remove their skin.
First you have to bring water sufficient to submerge the required quantity of tomatoes to almost boiling point.

 Keep a bowl of cold water nearby handily

When the water is near boiling point, remove from heat and gently place tomatoes in this water for a few minutes.

Usually takes between 2 to 5 minutes depending upon the heat of the water. You will be able to see that the skin on the tomatoes begins to crack.

With the help of tongs remove tomatoes from hot water and place in cool water for a couple of minutes or until it cools a little and is bearable to touch.

Then gently remove the skin and proceed with using the tomatoes as explained in the recipe.