How to make Dal Tadka with full recipe, its is a staple in Indian cuisine. This dish consists of lentils tempered with spices and herbs.
You might love our Mexican corn recipe too.
Introduction to Dal Tadka
Dal Tadka Recipe Ingredients
For the Dal:
- 1 cup Toor dal (split pigeon peas) or any lentils
- 3 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
For the Tadka (Tempering):
- 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional)
- 2 dry red chilies
- 1/2 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tomato, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- Fresh coriander for garnish
- Lemon juice (optional)
Kitchen Tools:
- Pressure cooker or pot
- Frying pan
Preparation Steps:
Cook the Lentils:
- Rinse the dal thoroughly until the water runs clear.
- In a pressure cooker or pot, combine dal, water, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook until the dal is soft and mushy. If using a pot, this may take 30-40 minutes.
Prepare the Tadka:
- Heat ghee or oil in a pan.
- Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds, letting them splutter.
- Add dry red chilies and asafoetida.
- Sauté onions until golden brown, then add ginger-garlic paste.
- Add chopped tomatoes, cook until soft.
- Stir in red chili powder and garam masala.
Combine Dal and Tadka:
- Add the prepared tadka to the cooked dal. Mix well.
- Adjust the consistency with water if needed.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for a few minutes.
Final Touches:
- Add lemon juice, if desired.
- Garnish with fresh coriander.
Serve:
- Serve hot with rice or flatbreads like roti or naan.
Tips for Beginners:
- Consistency: Adjust the water for your preferred dal thickness.
- Lentil Variety: Experiment with different lentils for varied flavors.
- Tadka Importance: The tadka step is crucial for flavor enhancement.
Dal Tadka is a food that goes well with rotis and it would be the best food whether it is consumed as a lunch or dinner.
