Dal Tarka

Dal tadka is one of the most popular Punjabi dish served in almost all the Indian restaurants. Dals are frequently eaten with flat breads such as roti, chapati or naan and also enjoyed with rice.

It provides an excellent source of protein, particularly for those adopting vegetarian diet or diets which do not contain much meat.

I usually add both toor and moong dal in equal quantities for this recipe but you can use them individually or mix of these dals, either ways it tastes great.

I have not added onion and tomatoes in this recipe but if you wish to you can.

Preparation time - 45 minutes

Serves - 2


Ingredients -

To boil dal -

1. Toor dal -  1/2 cup
2. Moong dal - 1/2 cup
3. Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
4. A generous pinch of asafoetida powder
5. Water



For Masala -

1. Turmeric powder - 1 tsp
2. Oil/butter - 3 tbsp
3. Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
4. Chopped garlic - 6 to 7
5. Curry leaves - 1 string
6. Green chillies - 1 - 2
7. Red chillies - 2
8. Cumin powder - 1/2 tsp
9. Coriander powder -  1 tsp
10. Red chilly powder - 1 tsp
11. Garam masala - 1/2 tsp
12. Lemon juice - 1 tbsp

Procedure -

1. Rinse toor and moong dal. Pour it in pressure cooker. Add turmeric powder and a generous pinch of asafoetida powder. Mix and add 3 cups of water (You can also add 1 medium chopped onion and tomatoes at this point)

2. Cover the lid and pressure cook the dal for 5 to 6 whistles.

3. Once the pressure comes down on its own, open the lid and mash the dal with a spoon. The dal should be cooked properly.

4. Add 1 cup water or as required, depending on the consistency you want. If you want thinner dal add more water. Mix well.

5. Add chilly powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, salt and mix. Let it boil on low to medium flame for 7 to 10 minutes. Stirring frequently.

6. Add garam masala and mix, boil for another minute. Turn off the flame.

6. For tempering, In a tadka pan add oil/butter, once oil turns hot add cumin seeds, chopped green chillies, red chillies, curry leaves and chopped garlic. Fry for a minute on low heat.

7. Turn off the flame and add turmeric powder. Mix and pour on the dal. Serve hot with roti, chapati or rice.