Dal Tadka is a comforting Indian lentil dish made with yellow lentils, aromatic spices, onions, tomatoes, and a flavorful tempering of garlic, cumin, and red chilies. It pairs perfectly with steamed basmati rice or jeera rice.

Description

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Main Course

Dal Tadka is a comforting Indian lentil dish made with yellow lentils, aromatic spices, onions, tomatoes, and a flavorful tempering of garlic, cumin, and red chilies. It pairs perfectly with steamed basmati rice or jeera rice.

---

Ingredients

For the Dal

• 1 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas)
• 3 cups water
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• Salt to taste

For the Tadka

• 2 tbsp ghee
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 5 garlic cloves, sliced
• 2 dried red chilies
• ½ tsp red chili powder
• ¼ tsp asafoetida (hing)
• 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves

---

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Dal

Wash the toor dal thoroughly. Add it to a pressure cooker with water, turmeric, and salt. Cook for 4–5 whistles until soft. Mash the cooked dal lightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Masala

Heat one tablespoon of oil in a pan. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for one minute. Add tomatoes and green chilies, then cook until the tomatoes become soft.

Step 3: Combine

Pour the cooked dal into the pan and mix well. Add water if required to adjust the consistency. Simmer for 8–10 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Tadka

Heat ghee in a small pan. Add cumin seeds and let them crackle. Add sliced garlic and fry until golden. Add dried red chilies, hing, and red chili powder. Immediately pour this hot tempering over the dal.

Step 5: Garnish

Sprinkle chopped coriander leaves and serve hot.

---

Serving Suggestions

• Steamed Basmati Rice
• Jeera Rice
• Roti
• Butter Naan
• Papad
• Pickle
• Onion Salad

---

Tips

• Use ghee instead of oil for authentic flavor.
• Add kasuri methi for extra aroma.
• Adjust the consistency by adding hot water.
• Finish with fresh coriander for freshness.

---

Steamed Basmati Rice

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups water
• ½ tsp salt (optional)
• 1 tsp ghee (optional)

Instructions

1. Wash the rice 3–4 times until the water runs clear.
2. Soak the rice for 20 minutes.
3. Drain the water.
4. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
5. Add rice and salt.
6. Cover and cook on low heat for 12–15 minutes.
7. Turn off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
8. Fluff gently with a fork.
9. Serve hot with Dal Tadka.