Dal Tadka
A comforting and aromatic Indian lentil dish, featuring tender toor dal simmered and finished with a flavorful tempering (tadka) of ghee, spices, and aromatics. A staple in Indian homes.
🧂 Ingredients
- 200 g Toor dal (split pigeon peas)(Rinse the dal thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear.)
- 600 ml Water(For cooking the dal. Adjust for desired consistency.)
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric powder(Adds color and a subtle earthy flavor.)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(Finely chopped. Ripe tomatoes will yield the best flavor.)
- 3 tbsp Ghee(Clarified butter, essential for authentic flavor. Can substitute with unsalted butter or oil if necessary.)
- 1 tsp Cumin seeds(Whole seeds that will be toasted in the ghee.)
- 2 Dried red chilies(Kashmiri chilies are preferred for color and mild heat. Break them in half, removing seeds if you prefer less spice.)
- 4 cloves Garlic(Thinly sliced or minced. Slicing allows for a more subtle garlic flavor.)
- 1 generous pinch Asafoetida (Hing)(A pungent spice that adds a unique savory note. Use sparingly.)
- to taste Salt
- 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro(Chopped, for garnish (optional).)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the toor dal thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. Drain well. In a pressure cooker, combine the rinsed dal, 600ml of water, and turmeric powder. Secure the lid and cook on high heat until the first whistle, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 10-12 minutes (or about 4-5 whistles). Allow the pressure to release naturally.
⏱️ 20-25 minutes (including pressure cooking and release) - 2
Once the pressure has released, open the cooker. The dal should be soft and mushy. Mash the dal lightly with the back of a ladle or a potato masher to achieve a smooth consistency. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and salt. If the dal is too thick, add a little hot water to reach your desired consistency. Return the pot to low heat and simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and meld into the dal.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
Prepare the tadka (tempering). In a small pan or tadka ladle, heat the ghee over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter and turn golden brown, about 30 seconds. Immediately add the dried red chilies and sliced garlic. Sauté for another 30-60 seconds until the garlic turns light golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Finally, add the pinch of asafoetida and stir for a few seconds.
⏱️ 2-3 minutes - 4
Immediately pour the hot tadka, including the ghee and all the spices, over the simmering dal. You should hear a satisfying sizzle. Stir gently to combine. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice, roti, or naan.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The tadka should sizzle vigorously when poured over the dal, indicating the ghee is hot enough.
- ✓Adjust the amount of water to achieve your preferred dal consistency – thinner for pouring, thicker for scooping.
- ✓For a richer flavor, use good quality ghee. If you don't have ghee, unsalted butter or a neutral oil can be used, but the flavor will be different.
- ✓Don't burn the garlic or spices in the tadka, as this will make the dish bitter.
- ✓This recipe is a basic version; many households have their own unique additions and spice combinations.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Dal Fry: Add finely chopped onions and ginger to the tadka along with the garlic.
- Dhaba Style Dal: Use a mix of dals (like toor and masoor) and add a smoky flavor by charring a piece of coal and placing it in a small bowl with ghee in the center of the dal pot, covering immediately to infuse the smoke.