Prepare all the ingredients.

Measure out the amount of lentils you want to cook.

Soak the lentils in a bowl of tap water until they soften and expand.

Peel and wash the onions thoroughly.

Chop the onions into small pieces like this.

Pulse the tomatoes briefly in a blender or food processor—just enough to break them up without making a smooth puree.

Place the tomatoes in a saucepan.

Add the soaked lentils.

Like this.

Add the chopped onions.

Add the chili peppers.

Add the spices and 1/2 teaspoon turmeric.

Add the salt.

Add the whole cumin seeds and cardamom pods.

Add the whole black peppercorns (using whole peppercorns keeps the lentils from turning dark).

Mix everything together well.

Soak the dried garlic cloves in water for a few minutes, then peel them.

Add the garlic to the saucepan with the other ingredients.

Mix everything together again.

Add the extra virgin olive oil. Cover and cook over low heat until the lentils are tender.

Once cooked, serve hot in bowls with pita bread and some pickles.

Here is the finished dish.