Rinse moong dal thoroughly and cook with turmeric powder and salt in 2 cups water until tender and mushy, about 15-20 minutes.
While dal cooks, grind grated coconut, green chilies, cumin seeds, and garlic cloves with a little water to form a smooth paste.
Heat coconut oil in a pan over medium heat for tempering.
Add mustard seeds and let them splutter, then add split urad dal and fry until golden.
Add dry red chilies, asafoetida, and curry leaves to the tempering, stirring briefly.
Add sliced shallots and sauté until translucent and lightly golden.
Stir the coconut paste into the cooked dal and mix well.
Pour the tempering mixture over the dal and simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
Adjust consistency with water if needed and season with salt to taste.