Coconut red lentils curry

INGREDIENTS 

•     1 medium onion, finely chopped
•     2 tablespoons olive oil
•     1 tablespoon finely chopped peeled fresh ginger
•     2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
•     1 teaspoon ground cumin
•     1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
•     1 teaspoon turmeric
•     1 tablespoon curry powder
•     1 teaspoon salt
•     2 cups water
•     1 1/2 cups dried red lentils
•     1 can unsweetened coconut milk
•     1 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro sprigs

METHOD

       1 Cook onion in oil in a 3 1/2- to 4-quart heavy pot over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until edges are golden, about 6 minutes. Add ginger and garlic and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Add cumin, coriander, curry powder, turmeric, salt, and cook, stirring, 1 minute.

        2 Stir in water, lentils, and coconut milk, then simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes. Simmer, covered, until lentils are tender, about 20 minutes. Season with salt and serve with cilantro sprigs scattered on top.