Heat oil in a large skillet. Add onions and cook for 3 minutes. Add in all powdered spices , reduce heat to low and cook for another 3 minutes.

Add in tomatoes, garlic and ginger . Cook for a minute, add a cup of water cover and cook for 5 minutes.

Then add diced potatoes, lentils and remaining water. Season with salt, cover and let simmer for 35 minutes until lentil are tender. Roast star anise and cloves in the oven on broil for about 2 minutes until they just start to smoke. Add them in 25 minutes into simmering.

Add chopped kale, cook for another 5 minutes. (Add more water if too thick ) Adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve with naan, chapati or cornbread