Lentil Dhal With flavourful Tarka

Ingredients

• 250g red lentils, rinsed and drained
• 1 liter water
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1-2 dried red chilies
• 1 sprig curry leaves