Method
Wash the lentils thoroughly, using fine-mesh colander. Add the lentils to a sauce pan with the water. Bring to a boil. Stay by the stove and monitor the foaming, as your pot could quickly boil over if you are not watching. Skim off the foam and turn down the heat to medium-low, partially cover, and simmer until cooked through, about 25 minutes.
Once cooked, drain off lentil cooking water but save it on the side. Mix in salt to lentils to taste along with the Cashew Butter Masala sauce. At this point add in some of the cooking liquid to get to the consistency you like. The lentils will be super hot already so the sauce will heat up quickly by just mixing with the lentils.
Serve in bowls and layer with your toppings!
For Serving
Cheese - grated sharp cheddar, crumbled feta or cotija
Sour cream or plain yogurt
Chopped red onions or scallions
Jalapeno slices
Chopped cilantro
Tortilla chips or roasted pepitas
Roasted Garlic Achaar, Tomato Achaar, Guntur Sannam Hot Sauce, or Ghost Pepper Hot Sauce