Dhal curry with coconut

This is a mild dhal so perfect for children, my children have always loved it as it has a creamy coconut taste.You can make it hotter by adding more fresh green chilli or chilli powder or both if you like it spicy.

4 tablespoons of oil
1 and a half onions chopped
3-4 garlic cloves crushed
1-2 green chilli chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
half a teaspoon chilli powder
8oz red lentils
3 cups water
half a teaspoon of salt
2 oz. creamed coconut

Heat oil in a medium pan and fry onion till just going golden and soft. Add garlic and green chilli, fry for a minute or 2 then add cumin and stir, turmeric and stir and chilli powder and stir.
Add lentils and fry stirring constantly for a few minutes then add water and salt and boil.
Reduce heat and simmer for about an hour stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. If it does stick a bit just remove from the heat for a few minutes after which when you stir it should be unstuck then return to a low heat. If it gets a bit dry just add more water a little at a time or you may end up with a watery lentil soup, the consistency should be thick and creamy.
When the dhal is nearly ready chop the creamed coconut and stir in, it will melt, with a stir now and then, in a few minutes,  and the dhal is ready.