Heat the 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and add cardamom
Stir for a minute and add the onions.
Fry on medium heat until the onions brown at the edges.
Add the ginger and stir for a few seconds.
Add the coriander powder, chilli powder and turmeric and stir to coat with oil.
Add the cauliflower and salt to taste. Stir well, add ½ cup of water, cover and let cook until the cauliflower is tender.
Add the lentils and stir well. Cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes. Check salt.
Heat the oil for tempering. Add the cumin seeds and, when they sputter, add the garlic.
Stir-fry the garlic until light brown. Pour the garlic-oil mixture on the dal.
Garnish with coriander and serve hot with rice.