My first attempt at dal. It turned out great!

http://cookingwiththemark.blogspot.com

Ingredients
2 c red lentils
1 c basmati rice
8 whole cardamom pods
1/2 t cumin seeds
pinch of cayenne
8 black peppercorns
1 2" cinnamon stick
6 whole cloves
1T butter or ghee
1 onion, finely chopped
Low fat plain Greek yogurt (optional)
Hot sauce (optional)

Directions
Combine rice and lentils and rinse thoroughly. Cover with water and soak for one hour. In a medium size saucepan, melt butter and sauté the spices for 3-4 minutes. Add onions and cook over medium heat until they begin to brown. Add lentils and rice and 4 cups of water. Mix and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to very low, cover and cook for 15 minutes. Turn off heat and let the lentils and rice absorb remaining water for 10 more minutes. Fluff up and serve with yogurt and a hot sauce like Sambal Olek (Vietnamese hot chili sauce).