DAL TADKA RECIPE
5/5
Dal Tadka is a popular Indian lentil dish that is loved for its rich flavors and comforting taste. It is made with yellow lentils (toor dal) cooked to a creamy consistency and tempered with aromatic spices. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a nutritious choice for Indian weight loss diets. The tempering of spices in ghee or oil adds a burst of flavors to the dal, making it a flavorful accompaniment to rice or roti.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup yellow lentils (toor dal)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) or oil
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly and soak them in water for about 30 minutes. Drain the water before cooking.
- In a pressure cooker, add the soaked lentils, chopped onions, tomatoes, slit green chilies, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, and salt.
- Add enough water to cover the lentils, close the pressure cooker, and cook on medium heat for about 4-5 whistles, or until the lentils are cooked and soft.
- Once the pressure is released, open the cooker and use a whisk or spoon to mash the lentils until you achieve a smooth consistency. If the dal is too thick, add some hot water to adjust the consistency.
- In a separate small pan, heat ghee or oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add red chili powder and immediately pour this tempering (tadka) over the cooked lentils.
- Stir well and simmer the dal for a few more minutes. Adjust the salt and spices according to your taste.
- Sprinkle garam masala over the dal and mix well.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or roti.
TIPS
- Soak the lentils for at least 30 minutes to reduce the cooking time and ensure even cooking.
- Adjust the consistency of the dal by adding hot water if it is too thick.
- Use a whisk or spoon to mash the cooked lentils to achieve a smooth consistency.
- For a smoky flavor, you can add a small piece of charcoal in a small bowl and place it in the dal before adding the tempering. This technique is called “dhungar” and adds a unique aroma to the dish.
- You can add a dollop of ghee on top of the dal before serving for extra richness and flavor.
- Serve Dal Tadka with steamed rice, jeera rice, or roti for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Leftover dal can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving and adjust the consistency and seasoning if needed.
NUTRITION VALUE
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 8g
