Tadka Dal

Tadka Dal Recipe - A Delicious Vegetarian Dish from India

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Tadka Dal is a popular Indian dish made with red lentils and a flavorful tempering of spices. It is a comforting and nutritious meal that is perfect for a cozy dinner.

History

Tadka Dal has been a staple in Indian cuisine for centuries. It is a simple and humble dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages. The tempering of spices adds a depth of flavor to the lentils, making it a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

1 cup of red lentils (lal masoor)
2 cups of water
1 small onion, sliced
2 – 3 green chillies, chopped
1 medium-sized tomato, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, sliced
salt, to taste
0.25 tsp of turmeric powder
0.25 tsp of red chili powder
1 tsp of cumin seeds
1 tsp of fennel seeds (saunf)
a pinch of asafoetida powder (hing)
1 tbsp of ghee

How to prepare

Boil lentils with onions, tomatoes, green chillies, garlic, and turmeric powder until the lentils soften and turn into a pulp. Add salt and stir well.
In a small frying pan, prepare the tempering by heating ghee and frying cumin seeds, fennel seeds, red chili powder, and asafoetida powder until they start to sizzle.
Add the tempering into the dal and stir well.
Serve the dal warm over rice.

Variations

You can add vegetables such as spinach, carrots, or potatoes to the dal for added nutrition and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to rinse the lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.

- Adjust the amount of green chillies and red chili powder according to your spice preference.

- For a creamier texture, you can blend the cooked lentils before adding the tempering.

Serving Suggestions

Tadka Dal is traditionally served with steamed rice or Indian bread such as roti or naan.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the lentils with onions, tomatoes, and spices helps to infuse the flavors into the lentils.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use yellow lentils or split peas instead of red lentils in this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

Tadka Dal can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Tadka Dal with fresh cilantro leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Tadka Dal pairs well with a side of yogurt, pickles, and papadums.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Tadka Dal in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in a saucepan or microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of Tadka Dal contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

One serving of Tadka Dal contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

One serving of Tadka Dal contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

One serving of Tadka Dal contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Tadka Dal is a good source of iron, folate, and vitamin C.

Alergens

Tadka Dal is gluten-free and dairy-free. However, it contains lentils which may be allergenic to some individuals.

Summary

Tadka Dal is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and fiber. It is a healthy and satisfying meal option for vegetarians and vegans.

Summary

Tadka Dal is a delicious and nutritious Indian dish made with red lentils and a flavorful tempering of spices. It is a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for a cozy dinner.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Tadka Dal. It was many years ago when I was just a young girl living in a small village in India. My grandmother, who was known in the village for her incredible cooking skills, was preparing dinner for our family one evening. As I watched her work her magic in the kitchen, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and admiration for her.

The aroma of spices filled the air as she chopped onions, garlic, and ginger with expert precision. She then added lentils, water, and a blend of spices to a pot and let it simmer on the stove. I watched in fascination as she stirred the mixture, occasionally tasting it to make sure the flavors were just right.

As the dal cooked, my grandmother prepared the tadka, or tempering, which would be added to the dish at the end. She heated ghee in a small pan and added cumin seeds, mustard seeds, dried red chilies, and curry leaves. The spices sizzled and popped, releasing their fragrant aroma into the kitchen.

Once the tadka was ready, my grandmother poured it over the dal, giving it a final burst of flavor and color. The dish was then garnished with fresh cilantro and served hot with steamed rice and roti. The first bite was a revelation – the creamy lentils, infused with the rich, smoky flavors of the tadka, melted in my mouth and left me craving more.

I asked my grandmother where she had learned to make such a delicious dish, and she told me that the recipe had been passed down through generations of women in our family. Each cook had put her own unique twist on the recipe, adding new spices or ingredients to suit her taste. My grandmother had learned to make Tadka Dal from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her.

Over the years, I watched my grandmother make Tadka Dal countless times, each time with the same care and attention to detail. I soon began to help her in the kitchen, chopping vegetables, measuring spices, and stirring the pot as the dal simmered. I learned the art of tempering and how to balance the flavors of the dish to perfection.

As I grew older and started a family of my own, I passed down the recipe for Tadka Dal to my own daughters. They, in turn, have added their own twists to the dish, incorporating new ingredients and techniques to make it their own. But at its core, the recipe remains the same – a comforting, nourishing dish that brings our family together around the dinner table.

I am grateful to have learned this recipe from my grandmother, who taught me not just how to cook, but how to infuse every dish with love and care. The memories of watching her in the kitchen, the sound of spices sizzling in the pan, and the taste of that first bite of Tadka Dal will always stay with me, a reminder of the strong women who came before me and the legacy of delicious food they passed down through the generations.