This recipe comes from a friend in Singapore. With a bowl of rice, this dal makes a meal in and of itself. More mild than spicy, even the kids like it.

Steps

1. In a large pot, bring 2 cups water to a boil. Add the split peas and cook until they begin to soften and break down, about 15 to 30 minutes.
2. While the split peas are cooking, coat the bottom of a large sauté pan with oil and sauté the onions over medium heat. Cook, stirring often, until the onions begin to soften and turn brown on the edges. Add garlic and ginger and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the ground spices and stir, then add the chopped vegetables and cook for several minutes.
3. Once the split peas begin to break down, add the sautéed vegetables and 1 cup water. Cook over medium-low heat for about an hour, until the vegetables and split peas are cooked through and the flavors have melded. Add additional water if the dal becomes too thick and begins to stick to the bottom of the pan.
4. Season to taste with salt or soy sauce, adding a little sugar if necessary to balance the flavors.