Get your largest soup pot and start cooking the onion, garlic and shallots over medium heat. Stir for about 5 minutes. No need to add oil unless you simply want to.
Add the chana dal (no need to soak before as cooking time is long) and the garam masala. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes.
Then, add the veggies, other spices and water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 50 minutes.
Stir in the garbanzo beans and coconut milk, and cook for a final 10 minutes.
Enjoy with your favorite naan bread and over a bowl of rice if you wish!