Easy Masoor Daal (Indian Red Lentils)

Step 1
Place lentils, salt, cayenne pepper, turmeric, and ginger into a medium saucepan. Pour in enough water to cover lentils by 1 inch; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally and skimming off any foam that forms, until lentils are tender and soupy, 25 to 30 minutes.

Step 2
During the last minute of cooking, combine oil, dried onion, and cumin seeds in a small, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high until onion is browned, 45 seconds to 1 minute; be careful not to burn onion.

Step 3
Stir onion-oil mixture into lentils.