Hi Ed,
I make this regularly and at least 2 times a week at the Uni. I can't stand sloppy, runny dhals, but a medium thickish dhal always goes down well here.
I also use a variety of lentils, this Thursday I played around and used 4 heads of garlic in the tarka, along with onions, spice mix, finely sliced green chilli's and fennel seeds.
Another variety, is to add methi leaves to the dahl when cooking and then on top of the tarka, a handful of finely chopped fresh coriander.
I've even added cashew nuts and sultanas which have been toasted in butter ghee over the top too.
There is no end to what you can do if you use your imagination
