Wash lentils till the water runs clear
Add the lentils, spices and water to a medium-sized stockpot, and bring to a quick boil
Bring the heat down and let the daal simmer
When the lentils have absorbed the water (after about 10 minutes), stir the daal with a wooden spoon, pushing it down to achieve desired consistency
Add 1-2 cups of hot water (depending on how thin or thick you want your daal to be), stir to mix and let it simmer for another 5 – 10 minutes (again, depending on the consistency you want)
To prepare the tadka, in a frying pan heat 4 tablespoon of oil. Add chopped onion and fry on medium heat till it’s golden brown
Place daal in serving bowl and pour over the tadka with the oil