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    You are here: Home / Recent Posts / Dal Tadka

    Dal Tadka

    May 24, 2022 by Sharmilee J 10 Comments

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    Dal Tadka is a nutritious, comfort, delicious dish made by seasoning dal with ghee and spices. Dal Tadka is my choice for rice when I run dry out of veggies at kitchen and could be made in no time. Dal Tadka recipe is posted here with step by step pictures and video.

    dal tadka recipePin

    Dal Tadka is my choice for rice, roti. Basmati rice with Dal Tadka is my goto whenever I run out of time, or don’t have any vegetablesin stock or for a lazy day lunch. Dal Tadka is to be taken with ghee to experience the best of the dish.

    Table of Contents
    1 About Dal Tadka
    2 Dal Tadka 2 ways
    3 Dal Tadka Ingredients
    4 Dal Tadka
    5 Dal Tadka Recipe Step by Step
    6 Carrot Dal Tadka – No Onion, No Garlic
    7 Expert Tips
    8 Serving & Storing Suggestions
    9 FAQs

    About Dal Tadka

    Dal Tadka is a nourishing & comforting sidedish made by pressure cooking dal with onion & tomato and blend with tempered spices. Dal Tadka is a soothing homely meal for all ages and stomach friendly. The family craves for more when Dal Tadka is tasted by mixing with rice & ghee or taken as a side with roti or phulka.

    Dal is a protein packed dish that has numerous health benefits. Soaking the dal and cooking will ease the digestive system from gas.

    Dal Tadka 2 ways

    I have shared 2 recipes here

    • Method 1 : Smoked restaurant style dal tadka
    • Method 2 : No onion no garlic simple dal tadka

    Dal Tadka & Dal Fry – the difference!

    Dal Fry is often confused with Dal Tadka, however there is a variation in the method of cooking of both these dishes. In Dal Tadka, the dal is pressure cooked along with onion,tomato and then finally the tadka is added. The tadka tempering is the key flavour given to the Dal Tadka. In Dal Fry, the dal is pressure cooked first without any other ingredients and then simmered with tempered spices, onions & tomato which gives a slightly different flavour & taste. Both Dal Tadka & Dal Fry are a must try at home!

    Eat Healthy – Eat Dal Tadka!

    Dal is a good source of protein and has low glycemic index which controls blood sugar levels. Adding dal in diet helps in good fetal growth, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, stabilizing blood pressure, slowing the ageing, building glowing & radiating skin.

    dal tadka recipePin

    Dal Tadka – The assortment of dals

    Dal Tadka can be made with just one dal or a blend of dals. I have tried with different combinations of Dal and all turned out to be too good.  I have used a blend of toor dal, masoor dal & moong dal in this recipe.

    Dal Tadka Ingredients

    • Dal : Light coloured unpolished dal is the best– Choose them when you have options. Toor,Tuvar, Arhar, ThuvaramParuppu, Pigeon Peas are all the same –Toor Dal. Moong, Green Gram, Payatham Paruppu are all the same – Moong Dal. Masur, Masoor, Masar, Pink Lentil are all the same – Masoori Dal. Yellow split moong dal is used here.
    • Ghee : Dal tastes best with ghee – So do not miss it or replace with oil. Use homemade ghee else the one that suits your taste from the store.
    • Spices, Onion & Tomatoes : infuses good flavours in Dal Tadka. Garnish the fry with coriander leaves!
    dal tadka ingredientsPin

    If you have any more questions about this Dal Tadka Recipe do mail me at [email protected] In addition, follow me on Instagram, Facebook,  Pinterest, Youtube and Twitter .

    Tried this Dal Tadka Recipe ? Do let me know how you liked it. Also tag us on Instagram @sharmispassions and hash tag it on #sharmispassions.

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe

    Dal Tadka

    Dal Tadka is a nutritious, comfort, delicious dish made by seasoning dal with ghee and spices. Dal Tadka is my choice for rice when I run dry out of veggies at kitchen and could be made in no time. Dal Tadka recipe is posted here with step by step pictures and video.
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time20 mins
    Total Time30 mins
    Servings2
    AuthorSharmilee J

    Ingredients

    • 1/2 cup toor dal
    • 1/8 cup masoor dal
    • 1/8 cup moong dal
    • 1 tbsp oil
    • 1 tsp ghee
    • 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
    • 1 no green chilli finely chopped
    • few nos curry leaevs
    • 1 medium sized onion finely chopped
    • 1 medium sized tomato roughly chopped
    • 1 tsp ginger
    • 1 tsp garlic finely chopped
    • 1/4 + 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
    • 1/2 tbsp kashmiri chilli powder
    • 1/2 tsp garam masala powder
    • 1 tsp kasoori methi
    • 1 tbsp coriander leaves
    • 3 cups water + as needed
    • salt to taste

    To temper

    • 1 tbsp oil
    • 1 tsp ghee
    • 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
    • a tiny pinch hing optional
    • 1 tbsp garlic finely chopped
    • 2 nos red chillies
    • 1/2 tsp kashmiri red chilli powder

    Video

    Notes

    • While tempering add ghee and oil mixed. After tempering and the dal is mixed well then drizzle a tsp of ghee in the dal.
    • Soaking dals is optional but cooks faster and softer.
    • The measurement of dal I have given is according to our taste and liking, feel free to experiment.
    • The consistency should neither thick nor runny, should be in between the 2 as you can see in the pics.
    • Adding green chillies and red chillies together gives a great flavour. You can skip the chillies and add 1/2 tsp red chilli powder instead.
    • Dal thickens with time so switch it off accordingly.
    Nutrition Facts
    Dal Tadka
    Amount Per Serving (75 g)
    Calories 445 Calories from Fat 189
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 21g32%
    Saturated Fat 5g31%
    Trans Fat 0.1g
    Polyunsaturated Fat 4g
    Monounsaturated Fat 11g
    Cholesterol 13mg4%
    Sodium 2047mg89%
    Potassium 439mg13%
    Carbohydrates 51g17%
    Fiber 11g46%
    Sugar 6g7%
    Protein 18g36%
    Vitamin A 1336IU27%
    Vitamin C 16mg19%
    Calcium 111mg11%
    Iron 5mg28%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Tried this recipe?Mention @sharmispassions or tag #sharmispassions
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    Dal Tadka Recipe Step by Step

    1.Take 1/2 cup toor dal, 1/8 cup masoor dal and 1/8 cup moong dal.

    take toor dal, masoor dal, moong dalPin

    2.Rinse well and add it to cooker along with 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, 3 cups water, few drops gingelly oil and salt as needed. Close with lid with weight on.

    add dal to cookerPin

    3.Pressure cook for 5 whistles in medium flame. Switch off and let pressure release by itself.

    pressure cookPin

    4.Open and mash dal well. Set aside.

    mash dal Pin

    5.Heat 1 tbsp oil + 1 tsp ghee – add 1/2 tsp cumin seeds let it splutter. Then add few curry leaves along with 1 finely chopped green chillies. Then add 1 tsp finely chopped garlic.

    add temperingPin

    6.Give a quick saute until garlic turns golden.

    saute until goldenPin

    7.Add onion, tomatoes along with required salt.

    add tomatoes and onionsPin

    8.Saute until tomatoes turn mushy and raw smell leaves.

    saute until raw smell leavesPin

    9.Now add 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, 1/2 tsp kashmiri red chilli powder and 1/2 tsp garam masala powder.

    add the masala powdersPin

    10.Saute for a minute.

    sautePin

    11.Add cooked dal alongw ith 1/2 cup rinsed water.

    add dal with little waterPin

    12.Mix well until well blended.

    mix well Pin

    13.Simmer for few mins.

    simmerPin

    14.Now burn few charcoal pieces directly in flame. Be at a safe distance while doing this as it might splutter. Switch off.

    burn charcoal piecesPin

    15.Carefully using a tong transfer to a small flat bottomed bowl.

    transfer to a bowlPin

    16.Now keep this bowl inside the kadai. Add a tsp of ghee inside the bowl.

    add bowl to dal Pin

    17.It will start to smoke immediately close with lid.

    smokingPin

    18.Open then garnish with 1 tsp kasoori methi and 1 tbsp coriander leaves.

    garnishPin

    19.Mix well. Switch off.

    mix wellPin

    20.Now for tadka heat 1 tbsp oil with 1 tsp ghee then add 1/2 tsp cumin seeds let it splutter then add 1 nos red chillies along with 1 tbsp garlic finely chopped.

    make tadkaPin

    21.Fry until garlic turns golden brown then add a pinch of hing and 1/2 tsp kashmiri red chilli powder. Give a quick mix and Switch off.

    tadkaPin

    22.Add half of the prepared tadka to dal. Reserve the remaining for garnish.

    add half the tadkaPin

    23.Mix well and Dal tadka is ready.

    ready !Pin

    Serve hot with basmati rice and ghee drizzled!

    dal tadka recipePin

    Carrot Dal Tadka – No Onion, No Garlic

    Carrot Dal Tadka which is very tasty with the addition of carrots in it a no onion no garlic recipe perfect for the vrat days.

    I love dal recipes and this one was with no onion and garlic , sure a welcoming change to any dal recipe lover like me. It tasted in between sambar and dal according to me, nevertheless  a great combo with soft phulkas.

    carrot dal recipePin

    Ingredients

    Toor Dal – 1/2 cup
    Moong Dal – 1 tbsp
    Jeera – 1/2 tsp
    Carrot – 1/4 cup grated
    Tomato – 1 small
    Salt – to taste

    To roast and grind

    Pepper – 1/2 tsp
    Jeera – 1/2 tsp
    Coriander Seeds – 1 tsp
    Red Chillies – 1

    To temper

    Oil – 1 tsp
    Mustard Seeds – 1 tsp
    Green Chillies – 1 finely chopped
    Curry leaves – a small sprig

    Method

    1. Dry roast the ingredients listed under ‘to roast and grind’ till nice aroma rises.Grind it to a semi fine powder,Set aside.Heat a tsp of oil, saute carrot and tomato till raw smell leaves.How to make carrot dal tadka - Step1Pin
    2. Rinse the dals and soak it for 15mins. Transfer the dals to the pressure cooker along with sauted tomato,carrot with enough water say 1 cup.How to make carrot dal tadka - Step2Pin
    3. Pressure cook for 5 whistles or until mushy.Mash it up with a laddle.Heat it up, add little water if its too thick.Now add the spice powder and give a quick mix.Crush jeera with your hands and add it.Add required salt.Let it boil for 5mins.How to make carrot dal tadka - Step3Pin
    4. In a tadka pan – heat oil add the ingredients listed under ‘to temper’ let it splutter then add it to the boiling dal.Switch off.How to make carrot dal tadka - Step4Pin

    Serve with hot rice or phulka.

    Expert Tips

    • While tempering you can use a mix of ghee and oil. Drizzle ghee again after tempering the dal.
    • Soaking dal is optional but helps dal in cooking faster and softer.
    • The measurement of dal I have given is according to our taste and liking, feel free to experiment.
    • The consistency should neither thick nor runny, should be inbetween the two – creamy.
    • Adding green chillies and red chillies together gives a great flavour.You can skip the chillies and add 1/2 tsp red chilli powder instead.
    • Dal thickens with time so switch it off accordingly.

    Serving & Storing Suggestions

    Drizzle ghee on the Dal Tadka& serve with rice – Dal & Chawal tastes heavenly& comforting!Eat hot and fresh for a lingering taste, however, there will be a slight reduction of flavour if consumed cold or later. The beauty with Dal Tadka or Fry is that you will feel light even with excessive consumption of it!

    Refrigerate if you wish to keep it for next day and reheat in stovetop or microwave before serving!

    FAQs

    1.What is Dal Tadka?

    Dal Tadka is a nourishing & comforting sidedish made by pressure cooking dal with onion & tomato and blend with tempered spices.

    2.Is Dal Tadka and Dal Fry the same?

    Yes – literally. However there is a variation in the cooking method & taste that
    differentiates both of them. In a dal tadka, the dal is cooked with onions, tomatoes
    and other ingredients and then tempering mixture is added & mixed. In Dal Tadka,
    the dal is simply cooked plain and then mixed with a tempered onions, tomatoes &
    spices and the whole mixture is further simmered for few minutes.

    3.Can I add vegetables to Dal Tadka?

    Yes – it is optional. You can add spinach, carrot, beans, bhindi – cook them in another container of pressure cooker and mix along with Dal.

    4.Can Dal Tadka be made with just the toor dal?

    Dal Tadka can be made with just one dal or a blend of dals of your choice. I have tried with different combinations of Dal and all turned out to be too good. Follow the same procedure of cooking for any of the dal combos.

    carrot dal recipePin
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    Filed Under: Dal Recipes, North Indian, RandomPosts, Recent Posts, restaurant style recipes, Sambar

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. mathangi

      June 02, 2014 at 9:05 am

      Wow…. Was searching for a proper recipe will try this today

      Reply
    2. jeyashri suresh

      June 02, 2014 at 10:01 am

      I just clicked this today. Lovely clicks

      Reply
    3. traditionallymodernfood

      June 02, 2014 at 12:54 pm

      Fav Dal recipe.. Easy to cook and taste awesome

      Reply
    4. Raks anand

      June 02, 2014 at 3:04 pm

      Looks perfectly done, perfect texture. I love it all time with simply basmati rice. tastes heaven 🙂 I can drink as such too 😀

      Reply
    5. Linsy Patel

      June 02, 2014 at 5:27 pm

      yummy dal , for rice.

      Reply
    6. Nivedhanams Sowmya

      June 03, 2014 at 3:14 am

      oh I am drooling here!!! so tempting!!

      Reply
    7. renuka

      September 22, 2015 at 4:22 pm

      1. Shall I add melted butter instead of adding Ghee in this recipe and also in dal fry ?
      2. Shall I use only toor dal instead of Combinations of dal ?

      Reply
      • SHARMILEE J

        September 25, 2015 at 8:48 am

        1.Yes you can try
        2.Yes you can use toor dal alone

        Reply
    8. Manjula Shant

      October 05, 2015 at 9:56 pm

      Love, dal, can make it as good as Nani…too watery, or something, texture just not there…

      Reply
      • SHARMILEE J

        October 06, 2015 at 1:32 pm

        Let it boil for a while to make it thick….Dont add more water while cooking dal

        Reply

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