Tips
Brown or green lentils can be used in place of the red or yellow lentils. Simply increase the cooking time to 25 minutes.
Toasted Spice Blend
In a small dry skillet cook and stir 1 tsp. each mustard seeds and cumin seeds and 1/4 tsp. each fennel seeds and whole black peppercorns over medium heat 30 seconds or just until toasted and fragrant. Transfer to a bowl; cool. Finely grind in a spice grinder or with a mortar and pestle.
Slow Cooker
Omit oil. In a 3 1/2- or 4-qt. slow cooker combine onion, carrots, jalapeño pepper, ginger, garlic, broth, lentils, and Toasted Spice Blend. Cover and cook on low 8 to 10 hours or high 4 to 5 hours. If using low, turn to high. Stir in tomatoes. Cover and cook 15 minutes more. Stir in garam masala and season to taste with salt. Serve with desired serve-alongs.
