Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   2      ounces        unsalted butter
   1                    cinnamon stick
   3                    cardamom pods
                        fresh ginger
   2                    dried chillies
   1      large         onion
   1      clove         garlic
   8      ounces        lentils
   1      teaspoon      ground turmeric
   1      tablespoon    ground cumin
   1      teaspoon      salt
     3/4  pint          water
   3                    fresh green chillies
   1      can           chopped tomatoes
                        fresh coriander

Preparation:

Melt the butter in a pan over a low heat, then add the cardamom pods (split, cooking them for just a few seconds. Add the fresh ginger and crushed dry chillies, cooking for another half minute. Turn the heat up to high and add the thinly sliced onion and garlic, cooking until they start to brown. Add lentils (which have been soaked and drained) then the turmeric, cumin powder, salt and stir in the water. Cook for 5-6 minutes to let the water dry out. Add chopped tomatoes and the fresh chillies, leaving the stalks intact. Finally add the fresh coriander to taste. Serve hot.