🍲 Tadka Dal 🍲

🛒 Ingredients

For the Dal:

• 1 cup split yellow lentils (toor dal) 🌰
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 🌟
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds 🌿
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 🧂
• 4 cups water 🌊

For the Tadka (Tempering):

• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) 🌿
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee 🌰
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 🌿
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds 🌿
• 1/2 teaspoon asafetida (hing) 🌟
• 2-3 dried red chilies 🌶️
• 1-2 green chilies, slit 🌶️
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste 🧄
• 1 large onion, finely chopped 🧅
• 2 large tomatoes, chopped 🍅
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 🌟
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder 🌿
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder 🌶️
• 1 teaspoon garam masala 🌶️
• 1 tablespoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) 🌿

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Dal

• Rinse 1 cup of split yellow lentils under cold water.
• In a large pot, add the lentils, 4 cups of water, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until the lentils are soft and fully cooked, about 20-25 minutes. You can also use a pressure cooker for quicker cooking.

2. Prepare the Tadka (Tempering)

• Heat 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee in a small pan over medium heat.
• Add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds and 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds. Let them sizzle.
• Add 1/2 teaspoon of asafetida and 2-3 dried red chilies. Stir for a few seconds.
• Add 1-2 slit green chilies and 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste. Sauté for 1-2 minutes.
• Add 1 large finely chopped onion and cook until it becomes golden brown.
• Stir in 2 chopped tomatoes and cook until the tomatoes are soft.
• Add 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon of coriander powder, 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder, and 1 teaspoon of garam masala. Cook for a few minutes until the oil starts to separate from the masala.

3. Combine and Simmer

• Pour the prepared tadka over the cooked dal and mix well.
• Add 1 tablespoon of kasuri methi and stir.
• Simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

4. Garnish and Serve

• Serve hot with rice, roti, or naan.
• Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.

Tadka Dal 🍲 is a classic Indian dish that's both hearty and flavorful. With its rich spices and savory tempering, this dal is perfect for a satisfying meal. Enjoy it with your favorite Indian bread or rice for a complete meal!