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Dal Tadka

Dal Tadka

Images on Rasoi Buddy are for illustrative purposes only and may not represent the exact appearance of the final dish.

Dal Tadka is a legendary North Indian comfort food consisting of yellow lentils tempered with aromatic spices and herbs. It is primarily made from Toor Dal (split pigeon peas), slow-cooked until soft and creamy. The dish is defined by its 'Tadka'—a vibrant tempering of garlic, cumin, and dry red chilies in ghee that is poured over the cooked dal just before serving. Each spoonful offers a savory, earthy flavor with a sharp aromatic punch from the garlic. It is a staple in every Indian household and a mandatory inclusion in any dhaba-style menu. Serve it hot with steamed basmati rice or fresh tawa rotis for a soul-satisfying meal.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Servings4 People
DifficultyEasy
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Ingredients

1 cup Toor Dal (Arhar Dal)
2 large Tomatoes (chopped)
1 medium Onion (chopped)
4-5 cloves Garlic (finely chopped for tadka)
2 Dry Red Chilies
1 tsp Cumin seeds
1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
1 tsp Red Chili powder
2 tbsp Ghee
Fresh coriander for garnish
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Cooking Instructions

Tips & Secrets

  • For a truly authentic Dhaba style flavor, use the 'Dhungar' method (coal smoking) after pouring the tempering.
  • Always use ghee instead of oil for the final tadka; it provides a much deeper and richer aromatic profile.
  • Fry the garlic until it is a deep reddish-gold; undercooked garlic will make the dal taste raw and pungent.
  • Mixing a little Moong Dal with Toor Dal can result in a creamier and more luscious texture for the final dish.

Nutritional Information(Per 250g)

Calories

190 kcal

Protein

9g

Fat

8g

Carbs

22g

Note: Nutritional values are professional estimates per standard serving (~200-250g / ml) and may vary based on ingredient quality and preparation methods.