The Incredible Indian Dal Tadka 🇮🇳 Recipe

Indian Dal Tadka 🇮🇳

A Hearty, Spiced Lentil Dish Bursting with Authentic Indian Flavors

Dal Tadka is one of India’s most beloved comfort foods. Made with protein-packed lentils, aromatic spices, and a smoky tempering of ghee or oil, this dish is a staple in Indian households. Served with fragrant basmati rice, it’s both nutritious and deeply satisfying.

🥣 Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

For the Dal (Lentils):

✅ 1 cup yellow lentils (toor dal or moong dal)

✅ 3 cups water

✅ ½ tsp turmeric powder

✅ ½ tsp salt

✅ 1 medium tomato, chopped

✅ 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional)

For the Tadka (Tempering):

✅ 2 tbsp oil or vegan ghee

✅ 1 tsp cumin seeds

✅ 1 tsp mustard seeds

✅ 1 small onion, finely chopped

✅ 3 cloves garlic, minced

✅ 1-inch ginger, minced

✅ 1 dried red chili

✅ ½ tsp red chili powder

✅ ½ tsp garam masala

✅ ½ tsp coriander powder

✅ ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

✅ 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

✅ 1 tbsp lemon juice

For Serving:

✅ Cooked basmati rice

✅ Warm naan (optional)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Lentils – Rinse the lentils thoroughly and add them to a pot with water, turmeric, salt, tomato, and green chili. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until the lentils are soft (about 20 minutes). Mash lightly with a spoon for a creamy texture.

2️⃣ Prepare the Tadka (Tempering) – In a small pan, heat oil or ghee. Add cumin and mustard seeds; let them sizzle for 10 seconds.

3️⃣ Sauté Aromatics – Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Stir in garlic, ginger, and dried red chili. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

4️⃣ Spice Infusion – Add red chili powder, garam masala, coriander powder, and salt. Stir well.

5️⃣ Combine and Simmer – Pour the tadka mixture into the cooked lentils and mix well. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow flavors to blend.

6️⃣ Finish with Freshness – Stir in chopped cilantro and lemon juice before serving.

The Incredible Indian Dal Tadka 🇮🇳 Recipe

🍽️ Best Pairings for Dal Tadka

🍚 Fragrant Basmati Rice – The perfect complement to absorb the rich flavors.

🍞 Vegan Garlic Naan – Adds an indulgent touch.

🥒 Indian Cucumber Raita – Balances the warmth of the spices.

🍛 Variations of This Dish

🌶️ Extra Spicy Version – Add more green chilies or increase the red chili powder.

🍆 Vegetable-Infused Dal – Add diced carrots, spinach, or eggplant.

🥜 Creamier Texture – Stir in coconut milk for a South Indian twist.

📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 250
Fat: 7g
Carbs: 35g
Protein: 10g

⏳ Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Estimated Cost: $8-12

🌍 Cultural Insights & Historical Notes

Dal Tadka is a staple in Indian cuisine, enjoyed in homes and restaurants alike. The technique of tempering (tadka) is essential in Indian cooking, as it enhances the depth of flavors with sizzling spices. Traditionally, dal is cooked in clay pots over an open fire, which imparts a subtle smokiness.

Want to master more plant-based Indian recipes? Check out Savor Plant Power: 100 Irresistible Vegan Recipes to expand your global cooking skills!