Red lentil dal with tadka

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups basmati rice
• 1 1/2 cups red lentils, rinsed
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 2 dried red chiles
• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Salt

Steps

1. Cook the rice according to the package directions.
2. In a medium pot, simmer the lentils with 4 cups of water, the turmeric and 1 tsp salt for 20 minutes, stirring now and then, until soft.
3. Stir in the tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes more.
4. For the tadka, heat the oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and chiles and let them sizzle for 30 seconds.
5. Add the onion and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, until golden. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute.
6. Pour the tadka into the dal and stir in the garam masala.
7. Top with cilantro and serve with the rice.