lentils are like beans but better because you don't have remember to soak them the night before.
Rinse lentils.
Boil lentils until they go mushy over low heat. (remove any foam on the surface of the water with a spoon while cooking)
drain lentils.
Put back in the pot, add garam masala, chili flakes, salt, boullion powder, basically anything you think will make it taste good (garam masala or some other spice mix is non-negotioable though).
Congratulations you now have made dahl. Eat with rice for a complete protein.
if you want to get fancy, mix in some coconut milk to the dahl for a creamier texture and coconut flavor.