2 cups dry lentils. Any standard lentil will do. I prefer the red variety, but I use whatever is sitting in my pantry.
1 small onion, roughly chopped
1 bundle of cilantro, roughly chopped
1 spicy pepper, small chopped or diced (jalapeno, serrano, habanero... you choose your fire. Or omit it all together, if you'd like)
ginger: grated, pressed, or finely chopped (amount will depend on your love for ginger. I could easily use up to 4 tablespoons of grated ginger, and still want more)
1 to 3 cloves of garlic
salt (to taste)
Indian spices (optional, but a teaspoon of coriander, cumin, garam masala, and chili, are all recommended)
frying oil (canola or a high heat coconut oil work well)