Curried Black Lentil Soup

1 cup mah dal (black lentils)
4 cups water
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 tablespoons oil
1 inch ginger, peeled, finely minced
1 medium onion, finely sliced
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

Buy a pressure cooker or test your patience if you want to make this dish. Wash the dal in several changes of water. Drain and add the 4 cups of water.

Add salt and half of the ginger; cook on low heat for 2 - 3 hours or pressure cook for 45 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat the oil, add remaining ginger, sliced onions, chili, and fry until golden brown.

Add the cumin and pepper and stir. Pour the above mixture into the dal and simmer for at least another 30 minutes.

The longer you simmer, the better it will taste. Add more salt to taste if necessary.

Serves 4-5.