Megan's Masoor Dal / Masoor Dal de Megan

Years ago, a few friends and I started a potluck tradition. Every few months we all get together for a themed potluck and the theme is always some type of cuisine. Our first one was Indian food and my friend Megan made this amazing dal.

Ingredients
1 tbsp sesame oil  (Megan used corn oil for us since Ren is allergic to sesame)
1 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tbsp ginger, finely chopped
4 cups vegetable stock
1 cup dried red lentils
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp coriander
1 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp cardamon
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp tomato paste

Directions
1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat.
2. Once oil is hot, add the onion, garlic, and ginger.
3. Cook, stirring often, until the onions are translucent.
4. Stirring constantly, add the vegetable stock, lentils, spices, and salt.
5. Bring the dal to a boil, then turn down the heat, cover, and simmer it for 20 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
6. Stir in the tomato paste until it is well combined.
7. Continue cooking until you reach desired consistency.