Follow this recipe… can use all red lentils – but only use 850ml of water. The water amount given in the recipe is way too much.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/tarka_dal_with_chapattis_03213
Notes: can use a tin of tomatoes but drain off the liquid and keep it in case you need to add a bit more to the lentils. If using whole tinned tomatoes, chop finely.