Skip to content
Indian Quick & easy

Dal Tadka

Yellow lentils cooked until mushy and tempered with spices and garlic.

30 minutes
Serves 4
Lunch/Dinner

Instructions

  1. 1

    Wash and Boil Dal: Rinse the lentils thoroughly. Place them in a pressure cooker with 2.5 cups of water, 1/2 tsp turmeric, and the chopped tomato. Cook for 4-5 whistles until the lentils are completely soft.

  2. 2

    Mash the Dal: Open the cooker once the pressure drops naturally. Use a whisk to vigorously mash the dal into a smooth, soupy consistency. Season with salt. If it's too thick, add a little hot water and simmer for 2 minutes.

  3. 3

    Prepare the Tadka (Tempering): Heat the 2 tbsp of ghee in a small pan over medium heat. This step is crucial for the dish's signature flavor.

  4. 4

    Sizzle the Spices: Add the cumin seeds and let them crackle. Immediately add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté until the edges turn golden brown (do not let it burn).

  5. 5

    Add Chilies: Turn off the heat. Throw in the dried red chilies, a pinch of asafoetida (hing), and 1/2 tsp of Kashmiri red chili powder for color. Swirl the pan for 5 seconds.

  6. 6

    Pour and Serve: Pour the sizzling, aromatic ghee directly into the cooked dal. Cover the pot immediately to trap the aromas for 2 minutes. Stir, garnish with cilantro, and serve over rice.

Plan it in Listahan

Add Dal Tadka to your week, check it against your household's allergens, and build the shopping list automatically.

More Indian recipes