Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Wash the lentils

   Wash 1 cup (160g) of red split lentils under running water until the water runs clear.

2. 2.Combine ingredients for dal

   Add the washed lentils to a pan. Pour in 500ml of water. Add 1 medium (100g) onion, peeled and finely sliced, ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon (7g) of salt, 1 teaspoon (20g) of garlic & ginger paste, and 1-2 optional cassia leaves.

3. 3.Cook the lentils

   Cook the mixture on a medium heat for 20 minutes, stirring frequently until the lentils soften and break up completely.

4. 4.Adjust consistency

   Add an additional 100ml of water to the dal and stir. Bring the dal to a boil.

5. 5.Prepare the tarka

   On a medium-high heat, add 1 chef's spoon (40ml) of vegetable oil to a separate pan. Add 3 cloves of peeled, crushed, and chopped garlic, and ½ small (25g) onion, peeled and finely sliced.

6. 6.Fry tarka ingredients

   Cook the garlic and onion until they start turning golden brown.

7. 7.Combine tarka with dal

   Pour the hot tarka directly into the hot dal.

8. 8.Simmer and finish

   Stir the tarka into the dal and simmer for 2 minutes. Add a handful of fresh coriander and stir it in.

9. 9.Serve

   The Tarka Dal is now ready to be served.