Pakistani Dhal - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 cup dried red lentils
3 cups water
1 diced onion
2 -3 garlic cloves, diced (or crushed)
1/2 gingerroot, peeled and chopped
0.5 (14 1/2 ounce) can chopped tomatoes
2 teaspoons curry powder
1/4 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
2 -3 tablespoons cooking oil
salt and pepper

Preparation

Heat water in pot until boiling.
Add lentils and boil for one minute.
Reduce heat to a simmer.
Simmer lentils until they resemble a thick paste.
While lentils are simmering, heat oil in frying pan.
Add onion, garlic and ginger. Fry until soft. Add curry, chili, cumin, coriander, salt and pepper, saute for 2-3 minutes.
Add tomatoes and saute for another 3-5 minutes. Add fried spice mixture into lentil paste, stir and cook an additional 15-20 minutes.
Serve as is or over basmati rice.