Everyday Yellow Dal

1 c. yellow lentils or split peas
1 large tomato, cut in wedges
1 T. canola oil
1/2 tsp. cumin seeds
1 med. red onion, chopped
3 large garlic cloves, pressed or minced
1-2 tsp. garlic paste
1 tsp. coriander powder
3/4 tsp. ground turmeric
1/4-1/2 tsp. cayenne
1/4 c. minced cilantro or parsley
1 T. butter
1/2 tsp. salt

Rinse the peas and put in large saucepan. Add tomato and 3 cups water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, simmer until tender, about 1/2 hour. Meanwhile, heat oil in a skillet over high heat. When it begins to smoke, add the cumin seed, covering the pan with a lid. After they quit sputtering, add the onion and saute over med.. heat. Three minutes later, add the garlic and saute until most of the onion is dark brown. Add the spices and pour over the dal. Add the cilantro, butter and salt, simmer another 5 minutes. Serve hot.

(Notes: Different lentils require different cooking times. I like using red lentils which are smaller and take less time to cook. I don't let the oil smoke or the cumin get too brown. The seeds will burn easily. I don't let the onion get very dark either. Play around with the spices to see what you like more/less of, or what you actually have on hand. To each his taste.)