This is a daily meal for many Indian families, very nutritious and very cheap.

2 cups of rice

1 cup orange lentils

1 large onion plus oil for frying

Small tin tomatoes/ 3 large tomatoes

Garlic (optional)

2 tablespoons each of cumin, coriander, turmeric

1 tablespoon of minced or powdered ginger

Chop and fry onions in 3 tablespoons of oil until transparent, and add the spices. Let them fry for 1 minute then add the chopped tomatoes and 3 cupfuls of water. Simmer for 5 minutes, add the red lentils and cook gently, stirring so the lentils don’t stick, for 15 minutes. Taste the dhal and add salt and pepper to taste. Meanwhile cook the rice in 2 cups of water until soft and fluffy. They should both be ready about the same time. Serve hot with yogourt, or lime pickle or chutney as desired. This should feed two people well.