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Dal Recipe Indian

Dal Tadka Recipe

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 210
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup red lentils (masoor dal), rinsed
  • 3 cups water
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 tablespoons ghee or neutral oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise (optional)
  • 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Small handful fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped

Method
 

  1. In a saucepan, combine the lentils, water, turmeric, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer 12 to 15 minutes until tender and thick.
  2. In a skillet, heat ghee over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and sizzle 30 seconds. Stir in onion, garlic, ginger, and chilies. Cook 4 to 5 minutes until onion softens, then add tomatoes, coriander, garam masala, chili powder, and salt. Cook 3 minutes, mashing the tomatoes.
  3. Scrape the spiced mixture into the lentils, stir, and add water if needed. Simmer 5 to 8 minutes to meld flavors.
  4. Remove from heat, squeeze lemon juice over the dal, scatter cilantro, and serve warm.

Notes

This dal tastes even better the next day, so it’s a great make-ahead option. If using whole spices, you can strain them out before serving, but I leave them in for rustic texture.