Tasty Lentils (North Indian style)

Ingredients:

2 cups masoor dal (lentils) Water
1 1/2 teaspoons garam masala
1 1/2 teaspoons turmeric
1 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup oil
1 1/2 onions, chopped
1 head garlic, separated, chopped
1 (1-inch piece) ginger root, chopped
2 jalapeno chiles, chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 bunch cilantro, chopped

Rinse dal thoroughly, until water is clear. In a pot boil 1 quart water. Add dal. Cook half way. After about 10 to 15 minutes, add 1/2 teaspoon garam masala, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric and salt. As dal cooks, uncovered, water will evaporate and mixture will thicken. Add more water to keep dal loose, like texture of thick cream. When dal is soft, turn off heat. Heat oil in wok, add onions red chillie ginger and garlick and gently brown. Add to Dal along with 1 teaspoon each garam masala and turmeric. Do not allow spices to burn. Keep stirring until mixture starts to stick. Add tomatoes and cilantro and green coriander leaves. Cook until tomato softens. Pour in pot of dal and simmer to blend flavors. Taste and add more salt if needed. Makes 6 to 8 servings. Eat with handmade rotis (flat leavened bread of wheat or flour)