Indian Dal Tadka

Indian Dal Tadka

India's everyday lentil staple: simple yellow dal finished with a sizzling tempering of ghee, garlic, cumin, and chilies.

45 minutes
4 servings
India
🍖 More Comfort Classics

Ingredients

  • 1 cup yellow split peas (toor dal) or red lentils
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Tempering: 3 tbsp ghee, 1 tsp cumin seeds, 4 cloves garlic (sliced), 2 dried red chilies, 1 tsp red chili powder, pinch of asafoetida
  • Cilantro, lemon juice

Instructions

  1. 1

    Cook lentils with water, turmeric, and tomato until very soft, 25-30 minutes. Whisk to a smooth consistency. Add salt.

  2. 2

    Heat ghee in a small pan. Add cumin seeds and let splutter.

  3. 3

    Add garlic and dried chilies, cook until garlic is golden.

  4. 4

    Off heat, add chili powder and asafoetida (be careful, it sizzles).

  5. 5

    Pour the entire tempering over the dal. Squeeze lemon and garnish with cilantro. Serve with rice or roti.