4 cups yellow daal
1 or 2 chopped white onions (not yellow)
4 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. turmeric
4 tsp. garam masala
4 tsp. ground coriander
1 tbsp. ground cumin
Chunks of garlic, ginger and chili
1 Can peeled chopped tomatoes
Generous knob of butter
Fresh cilantro

Put daal into a large pot. Add enough water to cover a couple inches in depth.

Add remainder of the ingredients except the butter.

Bring to boil, then turn down to an aggressive simmer. Simmer for about 1.5 hours, stirring every 15 minutes. Add water as necessary ... it WILL be necessary.

After about an hour and a half, check for proper consistency. Add butter and stir it in. Simmer 15 minutes longer.