South Iranian Dal with Tamarind | Two Jade Bowls

Ingredients

• 1/4 - 1/2 cup tamarind
• 2 cups hot water
• 2 cups red lentils
• 1 large onion
• 1 medium potato
• 5-6 garlic cloves
• 3-4 tablespoons light oil
• 3/4 teaspoon turmeric
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 pinch curry powder
• several grinds black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cayenne or Aleppo red pepper or 1 sliced fresh red pepper
• salt to taste
• 4 cups boiling water