Spicy Lentils (South Africa)

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups orange lentils (rinsed and picked through for no twigs or stones)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 large sweet onion, chopped
• 1 inch piece fresh ginger, grated
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon cumin seed, crushed
• 1 teaspoon cardamom seed, crushed
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 cup fresh tomato, diced peeled