Wash the dal well and drain. Boil the water and add the dal, salt, pepper, turmeric, finely chopped ginger, and garlic. Cover the pot and simmer for 20 minutes.
When done, heat the ghi add the cumin. Fry till golden brown and add thinly sliced onions. Fry till crisp and brown. May add paprika and finely chopped tomatoes to the above for color. Pour over the dal and serve.