Dal Soup

With bright orange spliiti lentils that turn yellow when cooked! I always double this because our family loves it!

ingredients

1 cup mansor dal (bright orange split lentils)
5 cups water (or more)
1 tsp salt
1/2 - 1 1/2 tsp each: tumeric, cayenne, cumin powder, coriander powder, fresh chopped ginger
2 TBSP oil
1/4 - 1/2 tsp black mustard seeds (yellow ok in a pinch)
Diced onion
(Garlici optional)
Small tin of diced chilies(or 1 dried hot red chili pepper, seeds out and diced)
2-3 tsp lemon juice
1-3 TBSP chopped fresh cilantro
OPTIONAL: 1 can chopped tomatoes
1 cup chopped spinach
Diced carrots or yams