Ingredients for 4-6

Rapeseed oil- or another oil suitable for frying- about ¼ cup
1 banana shallot
2 cloves garlic
1 red chilli or to taste
1 carrot – chopped into cubes and or pumpkin/ squash etc
50g ginger- grated or pounded in a pestle and mortar
2 tbsp madras curry powder (see below if you want to make your own)
250g red lentils- washed and drained
3 cups of water
1 ½ tsp salt
4 lime leaves
250g canned tomatoes
1 can coconut milk
¼ cup lemon juice

Method

Gently fry onion, garlic, ginger and chilli without colouring.

Add curry powder and gently fry

Add carrot

Add lentils and quickly fry in onion and spices

Add water, salt and lime leaves

Simmer until water absorbed

Add tomatoes and coconut milk and continue to simmer until dahl reaches desired consistency

Add lemon and seasoning to taste

Toppings to add as you like

Roasted salted almonds- chopped- or peanuts

Cherry tomatoes

Yoghurt of some type 

Fresh coriander

Extra lime or chilli