Dal Tadka : Sick of the same old, boring dal? Want that rich, aromatic flavor of restaurant-style dal tadka?
You’ve come to the right place! This recipe will walk you through how to make a dal that’s not only crazy flavorful but also surprisingly easy to make at home.
Why This Dal Tadka Recipe is Special
This recipe breaks the mold. We have incorporated a few unique touches that elevate the flavor.
Soaking the lentils
This makes it easier on the texture of the dal and enables flavors to soak in further.
Layering with spices
We have chosen an assortment of whole spices as well as powders in order to provide the aroma and the taste that’s multi-layered.
Finishing with ghee
The use of a little ghee gives that luxurious touch and makes the dal reach its full potential.
Ingredients
200gms toor dal-pigeon peas soaked 3-4 hours. 1 cup finely chopped onions 1 large tomato, chopped 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste 2-3 bay leaves ½ teaspoon cumin seeds 2 green cardamoms 2 black cardamoms 2-3 cloves 1-inch piece cinnamon 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon red chili powder 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder 1 teaspoon chaat masala 1 teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) ½ teaspoon garam masala 3-4 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 teaspoons ghee Salt to taste
Finely chopped fresh coriander leaves
Spice Tempering
Heat oil in a pressure cooker. Add bay leaves, green cardamoms, black cardamoms, cloves, cinnamon, and cumin seeds. Let the spices sizzle and release their aroma.
Sautéing Aromatics
Add the chopped onions and ginger-garlic paste to the cooker. Sauté until the onions turn translucent and the raw aroma of the ginger-garlic disappears.
Add the spice powders
turmeric, red chili, and Kashmiri red chili powder. Sauté for one minute while constantly stirring to prevent charring.
Add the chopped tomatoes to the cooker. Cook until the tomatoes turn soft and mushy and release all their juices.
Add the soaked toor dal and water it was soaked in to the cooker. Mix well.
Pressure Cooking
Close the cooker lid and bring it to a high pressure. Reduce heat and cook for 2-3 whistles.
Finishing Touches
Once the pressure releases naturally, open the cooker. Add ghee, chaat masala, garam masala, and dried fenugreek leaves.
Stir gently to combine. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with steamed rice, roti, or paratha.
Tips & Variations
Add for the richer flavor the ghee to temper with dal, instead of using oil Add a pinch of hing to the temper for depth flavor an extra tart flavor squeeze the lemon before serving For spicy ones it depends on the amount to put in.
Make creamier version of the dal
Blending the cooked portions with little puree makes a really yummy dal.
Enjoy the lovely aroma and the rich, comforting flavors of this homemade Dal Tadka.
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