Red Lentil Dal

red lentils (orange lentils will work as well)

water

plum tomatoes

grapeseed, vegetable, canola or other high-heat oil

white or yellow onion, finely chopped

medium cloves garlic, finely chopped and made into a paste*

Bengali five spice mix (panch phoron) or 1/2 tsp black (or white) sesame seeds, 1/2 tsp cumin seeds, 1/2 tsp fennel seeds, 1/2 tsp mustard seeds, and (if available) 1/2 tsp fenugreek seeds

bay leaf

turmeric

kosher salt plus more to taste

lime, juiced (equal to about 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice)

sprigs cilantro, de-stemmed and chopped

Cooked basmati rice, optional