Indian Spiced Lentils (Dhuli Maah Ki Daal)

1 medium onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
2 tablespoons ghee or butter
6 ounces dried red lentils (1 cup)
2 tablespoons ground coriander
2 teaspoons grated ginger root
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
2 1/2 cups water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cups finely sliced onions

Cook chopped onion and garlic in ghee in 2-quart saucepan until tender. Stir in remaining ingredients except water, oil and sliced onions; cook and stir over medium heat 2 minutes. Add water. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer until lentils are tender and most of liquid is absorbed, about 30 minutes.

Cook onion slices in oil until crisp and dark brown. top each serving of lentils with fried onions.

Serve with Indian Flat Bread if desired.