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Dal Tadka (Indian Restaurant-Style Dal)

Writer's picture: Roman WittRoman Witt

Dal Tadka is a popular Indian dish made from yellow lentils (typically toor dal or masoor dal) that are cooked and then flavored with a tempering (tadka) of aromatic spices. The tempering is made by frying ingredients like mustard seeds, cumin seeds, garlic, ginger, green chilies, onions, and dried red chilies in hot oil or ghee. This is then poured over the cooked dal, giving it a rich, flavorful aroma and taste. Dal Tadka is typically served with rice or flatbreads like roti or naan, making it a hearty and comforting dish in Indian cuisine.



 

Ingredients


For Dal (Lentils):

  • 1 cup yellow split lentils (toor dal or moong dal)

  • 4 cups water

  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

  • 1 tablespoon oil or ghee (clarified butter)


For Tadka (Tempering):

  • 1 tablespoon ghee or oil

  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

  • 1-2 dried red chilies (optional)

  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional)

  • 1/4 teaspoon hing (asafoetida)

  • 1 onion, finely chopped

  • 1 tomato, chopped

  • 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste

  • 1 green chili, slit (optional)

  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala

  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin powder

  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish


Instructions

  1. Cook the Lentils (Dal):

    • Wash the lentils thoroughly and cook them in a pressure cooker with 4 cups of water, turmeric powder, and salt. Pressure cook for about 3-4 whistles or until the dal is soft and cooked through.

    • Alternatively, cook the dal in a regular pot, but it will take longer to cook. You may need to add extra water and simmer until the lentils are tender.


  2. Prepare the Tadka (Tempering):

    • Heat ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat.

    • Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add the dried red chilies and mustard seeds (if using) and cook for 10 seconds.

    • Add hing (asafoetida) and chopped onions. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown.


    • Add ginger-garlic paste and green chili (if using). Cook for a minute or until fragrant.

    • Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft, about 4-5 minutes.

    • Add red chili powder, garam masala, and cumin powder. Stir and cook the spices for another 2 minutes.


  3. Combine Dal and Tadka:

    • Once the dal is cooked and softened, pour the prepared tadka (tempering) into the dal.

    • Stir well to combine, and let the dal simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors can blend.

    • Adjust seasoning by adding more salt or water if needed to reach your desired consistency.


  4. Garnish and Serve:

    • Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with steamed rice or Indian bread like naan or roti.


Enjoy your delicious Dal Tadka!

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