Savory Lentils (Dal)

This is the perfect side dish for spicy-hot foods. Sometimes it is served over rice to make it a heartier side dish.

3 cups water
1 cup dried lentils or split peas
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
2 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
Lime wedges

Heat water and lentils to boiling in 2-quart saucepan. Stir in salt and turmeric. Cover and simmer until lentils are tender, about 45 minutes. Cook and stir onion, garlic, cumin and cardamom in ghee until onion is tender; stir into lentils. Cook uncovered over low heat, stirring frequently, until thickened, 20 to 30 minutes.

Serve with lime wedges.

Yields 5 servings.