Tarka dal
The simplest form of an Indian meal must be tarka dal with plain roti
Recipe: Boil half tea cup of yellow / red lentils until they are soft and can be mashed. Heat 2 table spoons of oil in a metal laddle (by placing it in direct contact with the flame / hob). When the oil is hot, flavour it with a pinch each of cumin seeds, mustard seeds, fennel seeds, onion seeds (nigella), fenugreek seeds + chopped garlic + whole dry red chilli + 2 green chillies slit down the middle + curry leaves.
Pour the oil and spices over the boiled lentils and mix. Boil on medium heat for 15 minutes. Add chopped corriander and boil for another 5 min.