dry masoor dal (aka red lentils), sorted and well rinsed, water, oil (coconut oil or neutral flavored), large yellow onion, finely diced, garlic, minced, green chiles, minced (can be seeded for less heat, use more, curry powder(mixuter of Lal Mirch, Garam masala, zeera a, whole mustard seed, ground coriander, ground cumin, salt, more to taste, can diced tomatoes, or 1 1/2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes