Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   4      tablespoons   vegetable oil
     1/2  teaspoon      cumin seeds
   4                    garlic cloves -- chopped
   1      medium        onion -- chopped
   1      cup           lentils -- washed & drained
   3      cups          water
   1      teaspoon      salt
     1/4  teaspoon      cayenne

Preparation:

Heat oil over medium heat. When hot, add cumin seeds and let sizzle for a few seconds. Add the garlic and stir-fry till the garlic changes colour. Put in the onion and stir-fry until they begin to brown at the edges. Add the lentils and water. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer for about an hour, or until the lentils are tender. Add salt and cayenne. Stir to mix and cook another 5 minutes. Madhur Jaffrey's "Indian Cooking