Roughly chop the onion and sweat with a little water in a saucepan. Press the garlic cloves and add them. Stir in the spices and let simmer for half a minute, adding a little water if necessary. Dose the chilli flakes to your own taste, I recommend at least 1/4 teaspoon. Add the lentils and sweat everything for another half a minute.
Add the tomatoes, coconut milk and water, stir well and bring to the boil. Simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, until the lentils have reached the desired firmness. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Tastes delicious with rice, with flat bread (also as a filling), as a dip or as a hearty vegetable side dish.