Dal Tadka – Indian Style
Recipe Summary
- This recipe guides you through making a classic Indian Dal Tadka, a flavorful lentil dish. It involves pressure cooking mixed lentils and then preparing a rich, aromatic spice base (masala) before finishing with a sizzling tempering (tadka) of spices and ghee.
All Ingredients - For Dal Preparation
- Mixed Dal (arhar dal, tur dal or split pigeon pea lentils) 2 cups
- Water 5 cups
- Oil (for pressure cooking) 1 tsp
- Turmeric Powder (for pressure cooking) 1/2 tsp
- Salt (for pressure cooking) 1 tsp
- Oil (for masala base) 2 tbsp
- Bay Leaves 2
- Black Cardamom 1
- Garlic (finely chopped) 8-9 cloves
- Ginger (finely chopped) 1 tbsp
- Green Chillies (finely chopped) 2
- Onion (finely chopped) 1 medium
- Turmeric Powder (for masala) 1/2 tsp
- Chilli Powder 1 tsp
- Garam Masala 1 tsp
- Tomatoes (finely chopped) 1 medium
- Salt (for masala) to taste
- Kasuri Methi (dried fenugreek leaves) 1 tbsp
- Lemon Juice 1/2 lemon
All Ingredients - For Tadka & Garnish
- Oil 2 tsp
- Ghee 1 tbsp
- Cumin Seeds 1 tsp
- Dry Red Chillies 2
- Asafoetida/Hing 1/2 tsp
- Garlic (finely chopped) 4-5 cloves
- Kashmiri Chilli Powder 1 tsp
- Coriander (fresh, chopped, for garnish) 2 tbsp
Tools You'll Need
- Pressure cooker
- Pan
- Ladle
- Bowl
Don't have an ingredient? Try these swaps
No Bay leaf?
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme (per leaf)
- Pinch of dried oregano
No Garlic (fresh)?
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (per clove)
- 1/2 tsp garlic granules (per clove)
No Onion?
- 1 tbsp onion powder (per medium onion)
- 3 tbsp dried minced onion
- Shallots or leeks (1:1)
No Garam masala?
- 1 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp coriander + 1/4 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp cardamom
No Lemon juice?
- Lime juice (1:1)
- 1/2 the amount white vinegar — In dressings, savory dishes.
No Ghee?
- Unsalted butter (1:1)
- Neutral oil (1:1, lacks the toasted note)
No Asafoetida (hing)?
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder + 1/4 tsp onion powder
⚠ Contains Allergens
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Rinse the Dal
Rinse 2 cups of mixed dal (arhar dal, tur dal or split pigeon pea lentils) thoroughly with water until the water runs clear.
Step 2: Pressure Cook the Dal
Transfer the rinsed dal to a pressure cooker. Add 5 cups of water, 1 tsp oil, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, and 1 tsp salt.
Step 3: Seal and Cook
Close the pressure cooker lid.
Step 4: Cook Until Soft
Pressure cook for 4 to 5 whistles until the dal is soft and well-cooked.
Step 5: Mash the Dal
Once the pressure is released, gently mash the cooked dal with a ladle and set it aside.
Step 6: Prepare Masala Base - Heat Oil
In a separate pan, heat 2 tbsp of oil over medium heat for the masala base.
Step 7: Add Whole Spices, Garlic, and Ginger
Add 2 bay leaves, 1 black cardamom, 8-9 finely chopped garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp finely chopped ginger to the hot oil. Sauté until fragrant, about .
Step 8: Add Green Chillies
Add 2 finely chopped green chilies and sauté for another minute.
Step 9: Sauté Onions
Add 1 finely chopped medium onion and cook until it turns golden brown, stirring occasionally.
Step 10: Add Dry Spices
Add 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp chili powder, and 1 tsp garam masala. Mix well and cook for until the spices are fragrant.
Step 11: Cook Tomatoes
Add 1 finely chopped medium tomato and salt to taste. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and mushy, and the oil separates from the masala, approximately .
Step 12: Combine Dal and Masala
Stir in the cooked and mashed dal into the prepared masala. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for , allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 13: Add Kasuri Methi and Lemon Juice
Add 1 tbsp Kasuri Methi (dried fenugreek leaves) by crushing it between your palms, and squeeze in the juice of half a lemon. Mix well.
Step 14: Prepare the Tadka - Heat Oil and Ghee
In a separate small pan, heat 2 tsp oil and 1 tbsp ghee over medium heat for the final tadka (tempering).
Step 15: Add Tadka Spices
Once the oil and ghee are hot, add 1 tsp cumin seeds, 2 dry red chilies, 1/2 tsp asafoetida/hing, and 4-5 finely chopped garlic cloves. Sauté until the garlic turns golden brown and the chilies are crisp.
Step 16: Add Kashmiri Chilli Powder
Turn off the heat and immediately add 1 tsp Kashmiri chili powder to the hot oil. Stir quickly to prevent burning.
Step 17: Serve the Dal
Transfer the prepared dal to a serving bowl.
Step 18: Garnish with Coriander
Garnish generously with fresh chopped coriander.
Step 19: Pour the Tadka
Pour the sizzling tadka evenly over the garnished dal.
Step 20: Enjoy!
Serve hot with rice or bread and enjoy the ultimate bowl of Desi soul food.
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