Dahl (or something like it)

1/2 cup brown lentils
1/2 cup red lentils

Or any lentils really - so long as they add up to one cup it's your pick. Wash, rinse and drain. Set aside. Prepare:

1 med. onion - diced
1 tbsp or more of ghee

throw in a moderate amount of:
crushed cumin seeds, coriander, black mustard seeds, swazi fire sauce, ginger paste, garlic paste, paprika (a good one - not that nasty safeway brand), cinnamon, cilantro, kosher salt.

Adjust to taste. No, I mean it - I don't measure and neither should you. Add tumeric of you want it smoky or go heavier on the cumin if you want it earthier. Swazi Fire Sauce is available at 10000 Villages. Go buy some - or scare up some habeneros.

Heat spices and onion/ghee mixture over high heat in a heavy bottomed mid-sized sauce pan. Don't use a cheap-ass pot cause everything will stick and burn. Wait till it smells good and the onions are soft. Add:

3/4 cup chopped & diced tomatoes
2 cups (approx.) water or chicken stock

Bring to a rolling boil and reduce to low heat. Simmer for a couple of hours, stirring occasionally, until you like the consistency. Add more water as needed (it's good to have a cup or so in reserve). Serve over (good) rice.