Spiced Lentils(Dahl/Daal)

1 onion diced
1 cup red lentils
1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
1/4 teaspoon chili sauce
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1teaspoon coriander powder
1 tablespoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon curry powder
3 cardamom pods
2 cloves
1 bay leaf
pinch cinnamon
1 teaspoon of salt 
4 cups of water or broth
1 tomato peeled and diced.
1 tablespoon of oil or ghee
1/8th cup chopped cilantro

how2:
In a pot add oil or ghee, on med heat add cumin seeds.  once they begin to crackle add onions.
Sautte untill they are slightly golden but beginning to soften.
Add the spices, and garlic ginger past, cook the spices slightly then add the tomatoes.
Once the tomatoes are added they will begin to release their liquid and absorb any of the spices on the bottom of the pan. simmer for 1 min.
Add to this the lentils, followed by 4 cups of broth or water.
stir well, bring to a boil then reduce heat to low. Cook slowly covered occasionally check on it by string to prevent any lentils from sticking to the bottom.
cook for about 25-30mins total.
Once the lentils are soft and they are coming together well right b4 you remove the heat add the cilantro leaves. stir them in.
Serve it up in a bowl with rice or bread.I enjoy eating this like a soup.
Enjoy!