Heat oil in a kadai. Add in channa dal and dry red chilli, saute for a min till it is light golden.
Add in shallots, garlic, ginger. Give it a couple of mins toss.
Add in carrots and tomatoes, season with salt and sugar if using. Mix well. Cover and cook on a low heat for 10 mins till the carrot is tender. You could add a bit of water if the pan is dry.
Now remove all of this to a blender and make into a puree. Add water if needed.
Transfer this mix to a bowl.
Heat oil in a small pan, add all the seasoning ingredients and let it sizzle for a min.