mung dal with sauteed onion and ginger

From my Indian cookbook.

2 1/2 cups yellow mung beans
wash beans four times

prepare spice powder:
heaping 1/2 tsp tumeric
2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp cayenne

spread powder over beans
pour 6 cups water over beans
bring to boil (about 15 minutes)
reduce heat, cook uncovered

chop 1 cup cilantro. add when five minutes is left on the lentils.

chop 1/2 onion finely.
mince 2 tablespoons ginger. (Don't skimp on the ginger, it tends to get lost in here)
prepare a tarka powder:
2 tbsp coriander
1 tsp cumin

prepare 3 tbsp oil, 2 tbsp butter over high heat.
Add 2 tsp. cumin seeds when hot, let them sizzle
add onion, cook 1 minute
add ginger, cook 1 minute
add tarka powder, cook 30 seconds

add to mung dal.

correct salt seasoning. cracked pepper optional.