Dal Tadka
Creamy yellow lentils finished with a sizzling garlic tempering.
Origin & Story
Dal tadka is the comfort food of the entire subcontinent. The 'tadka' is a final flourish of spices fried in ghee and poured over the lentils just before serving for maximum aroma.
Main Spices & Their Role
Cumin
The heart of the tadka, toasted until fragrant.
Turmeric
Cooked with the lentils for colour and warmth.
Dried red chilli
Fried whole for a smoky heat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup toor/yellow lentils
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 2 dried red chillies
- 4 garlic cloves, sliced
- 2 tbsp ghee or oil
- Salt
- Coriander
Method
- 01
Boil lentils with turmeric and salt until soft and mushy.
- 02
In a separate pan heat ghee and add cumin, garlic and chillies.
- 03
Fry until garlic turns golden and fragrant.
- 04
Pour the sizzling tadka over the cooked dal.
- 05
Stir, garnish with coriander and serve with rice.
Veg & Vegan Alternatives
Vegetarian
This dish is already vegetarian.
Vegan
Fry the tadka in oil instead of ghee and the whole dish is fully vegan.