Recipes › India › Main

Dal Tadka

Silky red lentils finished with a sizzling tadka of spices, garlic and onion poured over just before serving.

Prep5 min
Cook35 min
Makes4 servings
LevelEasy

Allergens: Mustard. Always check labels.

Dal Tadka
Photo: AugustineKajur · CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Ingredients

4 servings

    Method

    1. Simmer the lentils with the water and turmeric for 20–25 minutes, stirring now and then, until completely soft. Whisk smooth and add the salt.
    2. For the tadka, heat the oil in a small pan. Add the cumin and mustard seeds and the dried chili and let them crackle.
    3. Add the onion and cook until golden, then the garlic until lightly browned.
    4. Add the tomato and chili powder and cook for 3 minutes.
    5. Pour the sizzling tadka over the dal, stir, and finish with cilantro and lemon.
    Cook's tip: Use ghee for the classic flavor; oil keeps it vegan.

    Tap a step to tick it off. Times are a guide; ovens, pans and ingredients vary.