Ingredients
1½ cups raw red lentils (other lentils may be substituted)
4½ cups water
1 Tablespoon canola oil
1 medium onion, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 or 2 small hot green chilies, to taste, minced
1 teaspoon each: freshly grated ginger, ground cumin, and turmeric
Nutmeg, pinch
Salt, to taste

Procedure
1. Rinse the lentils and combine them with the water in a large, heavy saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer until the lentils are quite mushy, about 40 minutes.
3. Heat the oil and skillet; sauté the onion and garlic over medium heat until golden.
4. Add to the saucepan.
5. Stir in the remaining ingredients.
6. Cover and simmer over very low heat for 15 minutes.
7. Serve hot.
Serves 4.