Rinse 1 cup of tuvar dal under running water until the water runs clear. Soak it in 2 cups of water for 30 minutes.
In a pressure cooker, add the soaked dal along with 2 cups of water, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, and a pinch of asafoetida. Cook it on medium flame for 3-4 whistles or until the dal is soft and mushy.
Once the pressure releases naturally, open the cooker and mash the dal using a ladle.
In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee. Add 1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds and let them splutter.
Add the mashed dal to the pan, add salt to taste, and mix well. Cook it on low flame for 5-7 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook 1 cup of rice in 2 cups of water until it's soft and fluffy.
Serve the varan (dal) over the bhat (rice) with a dollop of ghee on top.