Dal Soup

2 tablespoons grapeseed oil 1 tablespoon chopped fresh garlic 2 tablespoons garam masala, recipe follows 1 tablespoon cumin seeds 1 teaspoon turmeric 1 cup chopped tomatoes 1 cup brown lentils 5 cups water Pinch salt and freshly ground black pepper Few fresh cilantro sprigs, for garnish Garam Masala 1/2 cup coriander seeds 1/2 cup cumin seeds 1/4 cup dried curry leaves* 2 tablespoons black peppercorns 2 tablespoons brown mustard seeds 5 whole cloves 2 black cardamom pods 2 cinnamon sticks 2 bay leaves 2 dried red chiles *Can be found at specialty Asian and Indian markets.