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IndianVegetarian
Dal Tadka

Dal Tadka

Dal Tadka is a hearty Indian dish of boiled, mashed red lentils, finished with a sizzling tadka of garlic, cumin, onion and tomatoes fried in ghee.

Time45 min
Servings4
Calories95 kcal
LevelEasy

Ingredients

  • red lentils300 g
  • onion1 pcs
  • tomato2 pcs
  • garlic3 cloves
  • clarified butter (ghee)2 tbsp
  • cumin seeds1 tsp
  • turmeric0.5 tsp
  • ground coriander1 tsp
  • garam masala1 tsp
  • cilantro15 g
  • salt1 to taste

Instructions

1

Rinse the red lentils thoroughly in several changes of water until the water runs clear, cover with cold water and let soak for 30 minutes.

2

Drain, transfer the lentils to a pot, cover with fresh water 2-3 cm above the level of the lentils, and cook over medium heat for 20-25 minutes until soft, skimming off any foam.

3

Lightly mash the cooked lentils to a creamy consistency and cover with a lid to keep warm.

4

For the tadka, heat the ghee in a skillet over medium heat, add the cumin seeds and fry for 30-40 seconds until they start to sizzle.

5

Add the minced garlic and sliced onion; sauté, stirring, for 5-6 minutes until the onion turns golden.

6

Add the chopped tomatoes, turmeric, ground coriander and garam masala; simmer for 4-5 minutes until the tomatoes soften.

7

Pour the hot tadka into the lentils, season with salt to taste, stir, and simmer together for another 2-3 minutes over low heat.

8

Serve hot with basmati rice or naan, generously garnished with fresh cilantro.