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Dal Tadka (Yellow Dal)

Updated: Oct 26

  • Nutrition Information (Estimated per serving): Calories: 280-320 kcal | Protein: 14g | Carbohydrates: 40g | Fat: 8g

  • The Story Behind Dal Tadka (History):

    Dal Tadka is one of the most popular and beloved lentil dishes in India. "Tadka" means "tempering." The dish is elevated by a double tempering process: one during cooking and a final, aromatic one of ghee, garlic, and spices poured over just before serving, creating a dramatic presentation and a burst of flavor.

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  • Ingredients (English):

  • 1 cup Toor Dal (Arhar Dal), washed

  • ½ tsp Turmeric Powder, Salt to taste

  • For Tadka 1 (while cooking): 1 medium Tomato (chopped), 1 Green Chili (slit).

  • For Tadka 2 (for finishing): 2 tbsp Ghee, 1 tsp Cumin Seeds, 2 cloves Garlic (sliced), 2 Dried Red Chilies, ½ tsp Kashmiri Red Chili Powder.

  • Method (English):

  • Cook Dal: In a pressure cooker, add dal, turmeric, salt, tomato, green chili, and 3 cups of water. Cook for 3-4 whistles.

  • Prepare Tadka: Heat ghee in a small tadka pan. Add cumin seeds, sliced garlic, and dried red chilies.

  • Fry until Fragrant: Sauté until the garlic turns light golden brown. Turn off the heat.

  • Add Chili Powder: Add the Kashmiri red chili powder to the hot ghee and swirl.

  • Combine & Serve: Pour the cooked dal into a serving bowl. Pour the sizzling hot tadka over the dal. Garnish with cilantro and serve..


Pro Tips & Fun Facts (Tidbits):

  • The final "tadka" is the soul of this dish. Use ghee instead of oil for an authentic flavor. Heat it until very hot, add cumin and garlic, and sauté only until the garlic is lightly golden. Adding a pinch of Kashmiri red chili powder to the hot ghee (off the heat) gives the tadka its signature vibrant red color.


    Instant Pot Method:

  • Add washed dal, turmeric, salt, tomato, green chili, and 2.5 cups of water to the Instant Pot. Pressure cook on "High" for 8 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally. Prepare the second tadka separately and pour it over.

  • Air-Fryer Method:

  • Note: This recipe is not suitable for an Air-Fryer.


How to Make It Vegan

This recipe is easily made vegan. Simply replace the Ghee used for the tadka with a good quality, high-heat oil like peanut or sunflower oil.

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