Experience the rich and aromatic flavors of Indian cuisine with this delicious Indian Lentil Curry, also known as Dal Tadka.
This comforting and wholesome dish is made with lentils simmered in a fragrant blend of spices, then tempered with aromatic ghee and toasted cumin seeds.
Dal Tadka is a staple in Indian households and is enjoyed as a main dish or served alongside rice or flatbread.
With its warm and comforting flavors, this dish is perfect for cozy nights in or for sharing with family and friends.
Whether you’re a fan of Indian cuisine or looking to explore new flavors, this Dal Tadka recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow lentils (moong dal or toor dal)
- 3 cups water
- 1 tablespoon ghee or clarified butter
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 1 green chili, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish
Instructions
Rinse the lentils under cold water until the water runs clear.
Drain and transfer them to a large pot.
Add 3 cups of water to the pot and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the lentils simmer, partially covered, for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are soft and fully cooked.
In a separate small pan, heat the ghee over medium heat.
Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
Add the chopped onion to the pan and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chili (if using).
Cook for another 2 minutes, until the raw smell disappears.
Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until they soften and break down, about 5-7 minutes.
Once the lentils are cooked, add the turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, red chili powder, and salt to taste.
Stir to combine.
Pour the tempered onion-tomato mixture into the lentil pot and mix well.
Let the dal simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Garnish the dal with fresh coriander leaves before serving.
Nutritional Facts
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on portion size and specific ingredients used.
- Serving size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 12g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 12g
FAQs
1. Can I use other lentils for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other types of lentils such as red lentils (masoor dal) or green lentils (sabut moong dal), but the cooking time may vary.
2. Can I make this dal vegan?
Yes, you can make this dal vegan by substituting ghee with oil or vegan butter.
3. Can I adjust the spice level of the dal?
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of red chili powder or green chili according to your spice preference.
4. Can I add other vegetables to the dal?
Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, carrots, or potatoes to the dal for added nutrition and flavor.
5. How should I store leftover dal?
Store leftover dal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat before serving, adding a little water if necessary to adjust the consistency.