Black Lentils

Ingredients

• 3 cups (603g) whole, dried black lentils (see Notes) with skin, cleaned and washed thoroughly
• 1 medium yellow or red onion, peeled and quartered
• 1 (2-inch [5 cm]) piece ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled
• 4 -6 Thai, serrano, or cayenne chiles, stems removed
• 2 bunches fresh cilantro, washed and chopped (about 2 cups [473 ml.), divided
• 1 tablespoon (15 mL) ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon (15 mL) ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon (15 mL) garam masala (see Notes)
• 1 heaping tablespoon (20 mL) salt
• 1 teaspoon (5 mL) turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon-l tablespoon (5-15 mL) red chile powder
• 12 cups (2.84 L) water
• 1 teaspoon (5 mL) mustard oil (optional)
• 1/2 cup (118 mL) heavy whipping cream or plain yogurt (optional)
• 1 pat butter for garnish (optional)
• Chopped onions, for garnish
• Chopped tomatoes, for garnish