1 1/2 cups lentils
4 cups water
2 whole dried chilies
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1 cup chopped onions
1 tsp ginger
1 T lemon juice
1 tsp garam masala
Rinse lentils well. Put in a pot with the water, chilies, turmeric, and salt. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 30-60 minutes. *If using split lentils you will need less water and a shorter amount of simmer time to cook.
Heat 2 T of oil and saute the cumin seeds, onions, and ginger and cook until tender.
Remove the chilies from the lentils and stir the onion mixture and remaining ingredients into the lentils.
You can add tomatoes or spinach if desired.