Place pressure cooker on medium burner on high heat.
Add 3 cups of boiling water, washed split peas, turmeric, salt, and optional ingredients to the cooker.
Stir.
Cover the cooker.
Place weight on the lid when steam escapes through the top.
Lower the heat and leave to cook for 10 minutes.
Turn off heat after 10 minutes.
Depressurize the cooker completely.
Open the cooker and stir the dhal (if not completely cooked, pressure again, cook for 2 – 3 more minutes and depressurize again).
Heat oil in a small pot or ladle.
Add garlic slices and whole cumin to the oil.
Cook until the garlic slices become black or almost black.
Pour the heated oil into the pressure cooker.
Stir and serve hot.