1. Pour in a tablespoon of neutral oil and wait for it to heat up. Add in cumin and mustard seeds. When they start to sizzle, add in onion, garlic and ginger. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until onion is translucent.
2. Add tomato, chili powder, ground turmeric and coriander powder. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until tomato have softened. If using paste, cook until it starts changing color.
3. Add lentils, 3 cups of water and salt into the pot. Place the lid on, cook until soft.

Recipe sources [1]