Heat ghee or oil in a deep pan and and cook onion over medium heat for 5-7 minutes without browning too much.
Turn heat to low and add garlic, ginger, crushed coriander seeds, turmeric and red chilli powder, stir to combine and cook for 3-5 minutes longer.
Add washed red lentils and stir to coat them with the onion and spice mixture, cook them while stirring for 2-3 minutes. (This step helps the lentils to keep their shape and texture).
Add water, turn heat up and bring it to a boil, add salt, then turn it to a medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes.
When the lentils are tender but still mostly hold their shape, stir in fresh chopped cilantro and take it off the heat.