Red lentils are very convenient because they cook much faster than most beans. This recipe takes only a little over half an hour to prep.
The same basic procedure can be used for other beans, but the cook time will be longer. You can also add other vegetables–cauliflower seems especially tasty with red lentils.
Heat oil. Add mustard and cumin seed, fry until they start to pop. Add garlic and onion.
When the onions are slightly carmelized, add the lentils and water. Cook until desired texture and consistency are reached. Serve over rice.
Optional: top with tomato-and-yogurt topping.