My old faithful masoor dahl:

1/2 onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/3 cup olive oil

1 cup lentils

veg. broth or boullion

water (usually 3 cups or so, but start with about a cup and a half and add as needed)

curry powder (a lot)

cumin (a lot)

coriander (not so much.... maybe 1/2 tsp)

cardamom (also not so much)

red pepper flakes

salt

saute the onion in the oil until translucent. add garlic and saute until fragrant. add water, lentils, and spices (to taste). Stir and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and allow to simmer, closely monitoring and adding water as needed, until it reaches desired consistency (pretty dang mushy). Add red pepper flakes and simmer for 5 more minutes. Serve over rice.