Dal Tadka (savory Lentil Stew)

Dal Tadka is a classic Indian dish made with savory lentils, aromatic spices, and a flavorful tempering of ghee and spices. It's a comforting and nutritious stew that pairs perfectly with rice or flatbread.

Dal Tadka (savory Lentil Stew)

Ingredients

  • 1 cup split red lentils
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 green chili, chopped
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tbsp ghee (clarified butter) or oil
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 dried red chili
  • A handful of fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

Instructions

  1. Rinse the lentils under running water until the water runs clear. Drain the lentils and transfer them to a pot.
  2. Add 3 cups of water, chopped onion, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, green chili, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt to the pot with lentils. Stir to combine.
  3. Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the dal simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are soft and fully cooked.
  4. Once the dal is cooked, heat ghee in a small pan. Add mustard seeds and dried red chili. Let them splutter for a few seconds.
  5. Pour the tempering over the cooked dal and stir to combine. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
  6. Serve the Dal Tadka hot with rice or flatbread.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
15 minutes
Cooking time:
30 minutes
Total time:
45 minutes
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
250 per serving
Protein
15g
Carbohydrates
40g
Fat
5g

Supplies

Pot Pan Spatula Knife Cutting Board

Tools

Cooking Spoon Measuring Cups Measuring Spoons

Serving suggestions

Serve the Dal Tadka with steamed basmati rice, naan bread, or roti.

Tips & tricks

For a richer flavor, you can use a combination of ghee and oil for the tempering.

Cost

$8