| 1 1/2 | c | Red or brown lentils; yellow or green split peas, or split, hulled mung beans |
| 4 | c | Water |
| 2 | | Dried chiles; whole, (I used mild ones; next time I'll add 3 or 4) |
| 1/4 | ts | Turmeric; (for coloring, as far as I can tell) |
| 1/2 | ts | Salt; (optional, as always) |
| 1/2 | ts | Cumin seeds; (I used ground cumin; it tastes somewhat different) |
| 1 | c | Chopped onion; (I used a red one) |
| 1 | ts | Grated peeled fresh ginger root; (do not omit-- makes the dish, IMHO) |
| 1 | tb | Fresh lemon juice; (I used bottled) |
| 1/2 | ts | Garam masala; (go light, and add more at the table, if desired) (up to 1) |
| | Salt to taste |
