Tadka Dal – Quick & Easy Indian Meals

Step 1: Prepare the Lentils

Wash 300 grams of red lentils (masoor dal) thoroughly in cold water.

Step 2: Cook the Lentils

Add the washed lentils to a pot with 900 ml of water, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of turmeric. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 3: Boil the Lentils

Once the lentils are boiling, place a wooden spoon across the top of the pot to prevent it from spilling over. Continue to cook for 10 minutes until the lentils are fully soft and mushy. Turn off the heat.

Step 4: Prepare Onions and Garlic

While the lentils are cooking, peel and roughly chop 2 medium-sized onions. Peel and thinly slice 3-4 garlic cloves.

Step 5: Prepare Tomato and Chili

Chop 1 tomato and 1/2 a red chili.

Step 6: Prepare Coriander

Chop a handful of fresh coriander.

Step 7: Start the Tadka

Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee and 1 teaspoon of oil in a pan over medium heat.

Step 8: Add Cumin Seeds

Add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds to the hot oil and let them sizzle until fragrant.

Step 9: Sauté Garlic

Add the thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté until they turn golden brown.

Step 10: Sauté Onions

Add the chopped onions and sauté for 6-7 minutes until they become translucent and slightly browned.

Step 11: Add Tomatoes and Chili

Add the chopped tomato and red chili to the pan. Sauté for 5 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.

Step 12: Finish the Tadka

Turn off the heat. Add the chopped fresh coriander and a tiny bit of chili powder (to taste). Stir well to combine.

Step 13: Serve the Dal

Transfer the cooked lentils to a serving bowl.

Step 14: Top with Tadka

Pour the prepared tadka mixture evenly over the dal. Serve hot.

• Place a wooden spoon across the pot while cooking lentils to prevent them from boiling over.

• You can make this recipe vegan by replacing ghee with oil.

• Serve with plain rice, onion pulao, roti, or sabji.

• Can be eaten as a soup with a slice of sourdough bread.