Use a vegetable peeler to peel the ginger and finely chop it with the onion, garlic and chilies.
Heat the oil in a large shallow saucepan. Add the ginger, onion, garlic, chilies and cumin seeds. Cook for 5 minutes, until softened but not colored.
Stir the lentils, water, and curry paste into the pan. Bring to a boil, cover and cook gently over low heat for 15 - 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are just tender and not yet broken.
Stir in all but 2 tbsp of the coconut cream. Bring to a boil and cook uncovered, for 15 - 20 more minutes, until the mixture is thick and pulpy. Remove from the heat, then stir in the lemon juice and the whole cilantro leaves. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Heat a large frying pan and cook the slivered almonds for 1 - 2 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Stir about three-quarters of the toasted almonds into the dhal.
Transfer the dhal to a serving bowl and swirl in the remaining coconut cream. Scatter the reserved almonds on top and serve warm.