Indian Dal Tadka

Dal Tadka is a classic Indian dish, renowned for its comforting and aromatic qualities. This recipe combines lentils with a fragrant tempering of spices to create a wholesome and flavorful meal. Using the finest spices from Indianspicecart.com ensures that you get the most authentic and delicious results. Whether you're new to Indian cuisine or a seasoned pro, this Dal Tadka is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

For this mouthwatering Dal Tadka, you’ll need the following ingredients. All spices can be found at Indianspicecart.com.

For the Dal

• 1 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas), washed and soaked for 30 minutes

• 3 cups water

• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder (from Indianspicecart.com)

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp ghee or oil

For the Tadka (Tempering)

• 2 tbsp ghee or oil

• 1 tsp cumin seeds (from Indianspicecart.com)

• 1 tsp mustard seeds (from Indianspicecart.com)

• 2 dried red chilies (from Indianspicecart.com)

• 2 bay leaves (from Indianspicecart.com)

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped

• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

• 2 green chilies, slit

• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder (from Indianspicecart.com)

• 1 tsp red chili powder (from Indianspicecart.com)

• 1 tsp coriander powder (from Indianspicecart.com)

• 1/2 tsp garam masala (from Indianspicecart.com)

• Salt to taste

Garnish

• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped

• Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

Cooking the Dal

1. Prepare the Dal: In a large pot or pressure cooker, combine the soaked toor dal with 3 cups of water, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp ghee or oil.

2. Cook: If using a pressure cooker, cook for 3-4 whistles. If using a pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the dal is soft and mushy (about 25-30 minutes). Mash the dal lightly with the back of a spoon.

Preparing the Tadka (Tempering)

1. Heat Ghee or Oil: In a separate pan, heat 2 tbsp of ghee or oil over medium heat.

2. Sauté Whole Spices: Add 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 tsp mustard seeds, 2 dried red chilies, and 2 bay leaves. Let them sizzle for a few seconds.

3. Add Onions: Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.

4. Ginger-Garlic Paste: Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté until the raw smell disappears.

5. Tomatoes and Green Chilies: Add the chopped tomatoes and green chilies. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and the oil starts to separate.

6. Spice It Up: Add 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp red chili powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, and salt to taste. Mix well and cook for a couple of minutes.

7. Final Touch: Stir in 1/2 tsp garam masala and cook for another minute.

Combining the Dal and Tadka

1. Mix: Pour the cooked dal into the pan with the tadka. Mix well to combine.

2. Simmer: Let the dal simmer for 5-10 minutes to absorb all the flavors.

3. Adjust Consistency: Add water if needed to adjust the consistency of the dal. It should be thick but pourable.

Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Sprinkle fresh coriander leaves over the dal and squeeze the juice of one lemon.

2. Serve: Serve hot with steamed rice, roti, or naan.

Conclusion

This Dal Tadka is a true testament to the rich and diverse flavors of Indian cuisine. Using high-quality spices from Indianspicecart.com ensures an authentic taste that will transport you straight to the heart of India. This dish is perfect for a cozy family meal or an impressive dinner party delight.

Engage with Us

We'd love to hear about your experience making this recipe! Share your thoughts, tweaks, and photos in the comments below. If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to explore more spices and ingredients at Indianspicecart.com for your next culinary adventure.