Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   1      cup           dried yellow split peas
   5      cups          water
   1      tablespoon    sesame or canola oil -- or cooking spray
   1      tablespoon    black mustard seeds
   1      tablespoon    cumin seeds
   1      clove         fresh garlic -- minced
   1      teaspoon      turmeric -- or saffron
   1      teaspoon      chili paste -- or pinch of cayenne
   1      teaspoon      ground cumin
   1      teaspoon      ground coriander
   1                    tomato -- finely chopped
   1      teaspoon      salt -- or to taste

Preparation:

1. Rinse split peas. Bring water to a boil in a large pot, and add peas. Return to boil, stir, then lower heat, and simmer 1 to 2 hours until tender. WARNING: Peas will foam up and boil over easily; keep a watchful eye. 2. In a skillet, heat oil and saute mustard seeds until they "pop" and turn grey. Add cumin seeds and fry until golden. Make sure to cover the pan when cooking seeds, or they'll pop all over your kitchen! Add garlic, turmeric or saffron, chili paste or cayenne, ground cumin, and coriander. Saute 2 minutes. Add tomato and saute until the tomato is good and mushy (about 3-5 minutes). 3. Add spices, salt, and tomato to peas, and cook 30 minute