3 cups water or vegetable stock
1 cup dry red lentils
4 to 5 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, diced
1/2 medium-sized ginger root, peeled and chopped
2 to 3 cloves garlic, diced or crushed
2 teaspoons curry powder
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon red chili powder
salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 (14 ounce) can chopped tomatoes
1. Heat water or stock in pot until boiling. Add lentils and boil for one minute. Reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer lentils until they resemble a thick paste.
2. While lentils are simmering, heat oil in frying pan. Add onion, ginger, and garlic; fry until soft. Add curry, coriander, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper; saute for 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Add tomatoes; saute for another 3 to 5 minutes. Add fried spice mixture into lentil paste, stir and cook an additional 15 to 20 minutes.
Serve as is or over basmati rice.