Dal Tadka: Yellow Lentils with Sizzling Spices

Malka Punjabi Tarka Daal Masala box with a bowl of yellow dal tadka

Dal tadka is the comfort food of North Indian and Punjabi homes: yellow lentils simmered until creamy, then finished with a tadka (tempering) of hot ghee, cumin, garlic and dried chilli poured over just before serving.

Prep: 10 minutes plus 30 minutes soaking · Cook: 40 minutes · Serves: 4

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Ingredients

Dal

  • 1 cup yellow lentils (toor dal, moong dal or a mix)
  • 4 cups water
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1 small onion, chopped, and 1 tomato, chopped
  • 1 to 2 tbsp Malka Punjabi Tarka Daal Masala (to taste)
  • Salt to taste (check the spice mix first)

Tadka

  • 2 tbsp ghee or oil
  • 1 tsp whole cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic paste or 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red chilli, or 2 whole dried chilies
  • Cilantro and lemon to serve

Method

  1. Rinse the lentils until the water runs clear and soak for 30 minutes. Drain.
  2. Put the lentils, water and turmeric in a pot. Bring to a boil, skim the foam, then simmer partly covered for 25 to 30 minutes until completely soft. (Pressure cooker: 3 to 4 whistles.)
  3. Add the onion, tomato and daal masala and simmer 10 minutes more, whisking to make it creamy. Add hot water if it is too thick; it should pour like thick soup.
  4. For the tadka, heat the ghee in a small pan. Add the cumin; when it crackles, add the garlic and fry until light golden. Turn off the heat and add the crushed chilli.
  5. Pour the sizzling tadka over the dal, cover for 1 minute to trap the aroma, then stir. Finish with cilantro and lemon and serve with rice or roti.

Tips

  • Take the garlic off the heat as soon as it is golden; burnt garlic turns bitter.
  • Add the chilli after the heat is off so it colors the ghee without scorching.
  • Dal thickens as it stands. Loosen leftovers with hot water when reheating.

FAQ

Which lentils are best for dal tadka?

Toor dal (split pigeon peas) is classic. Moong dal cooks faster, and a mix of the two is very popular.

What is tadka?

Tadka, also called tarka or tempering, is whole spices and aromatics fried in hot fat and poured over a dish to add flavor at the end.

Is dal tadka vegan?

Yes, if you use oil instead of ghee.