6ouncescanned crushed tomato (or tomato puree, but not tomato paste)
1tablespoongrated fresh ginger
1tablespoonminced garlic
1teaspooncayenne pepper (or less depending on your spice preference)
1cupwater
4tablespoonsbutter
1/8teaspoonsalt, more to taste
freshly ground black pepper
1/3cupheavy cream
2tablespoonsminced fresh cilantro
Instructions
In a large sauce pan, add the lentils and fill with water to cover by 2 inches. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until the lentils open and are tender. Drain the water from the lentils and return the lentils to the pot.
Stir the lentils around in the pot mashing some of them against the pot to break open. Add the crushed tomato, ginger, garlic, cayenne pepper, water, butter, salt and pepper.
Cook for 1 hour until the dal is thick. Make sure to check the pot periodically to make sure the water does not cook out.