4 T. vegetable oil
1/2 t. whole cumin seeds
4 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped
1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
1 c. lentils, washed and drained
3 c. water
3/4-1 t. salt
1/8-1/4 t. cayenne pepper

• Heat the oil over medium flame. When hot, put in cumin seeds. A few seconds later, put in the garlic. Stir and fry until the garlic pieces turn a medium brown color. Add the onion. Stir and fry until the onion pieces begin to turn brown at the edges.
• Put in the lentils and the water. Bring to a boil. Cover, turn heat to low and simmer for about an hour or until lentils are tender.
• Add the salt and cayenne. Stir to mix and simmer gently for another 5 minutes.