🌟 Authentic Dal Tadka Recipe

Dal Tadka is a true restaurant classic, full of rich flavors and aromas. This recipe is my personal favorite, and I highly recommend using ghee if you can—it adds an extra layer of deliciousness!

🍽️ Serves: 4

📝 Ingredients:

For the Lentils:

• 2 dl red lentils or moong dal
• 5 dl water 💧
• 1½ tsp ground turmeric
• A pinch of asafoetida (optional)

For the Curry:

• 2 tbsp ghee or rapeseed oil 🧈
• 2 onions 🧅, chopped
• 1 garlic clove 🧄, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 green chili 🌶️, chopped
• 1 tsp garam masala or curry powder
• 2 tomatoes 🍅, chopped
• 1 tbsp sugar
• Salt 🧂 to taste
• 2 tbsp ghee or rapeseed oil 🧈

For the Tadka (Tempering):

• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1½ tsp whole cumin seeds
• 1½ dl curry leaves (optional)
• 1 tsp paprika powder
• 2 whole dried red chilies 🌶️
• 1 dl fresh cilantro 🌿, chopped

👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Prepare the Lentils:

   • Soak the red lentils or moong dal in water for 30 minutes (if you have time). Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear.
   • In a pot, cook the lentils with 5 dl water 💧, turmeric, and asafoetida for about 10 minutes, or until the lentils are completely broken down.

2. Prepare the Curry:

   • In a large pan, heat 2 tbsp ghee 🧈 or rapeseed oil. Add chopped onions 🧅, garlic 🧄, ginger, and green chili 🌶️. Sauté until the onion turns golden brown.
   • Sprinkle garam masala or curry powder and sauté for another minute.
   • Add the chopped tomatoes 🍅, a pinch of sugar, and salt 🧂. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the tomatoes soften, mashing them with a fork.
   • Add the cooked lentils to the pan and mix well. Adjust the seasoning with salt if needed.

3. Prepare the Tadka (Tempering):

   • In a small frying pan, heat 2 tbsp ghee 🧈 or rapeseed oil. Add mustard seeds and wait until they start to “pop.”
   • Add whole cumin seeds, curry leaves 🌿, dried red chilies 🌶️, and paprika powder. Sauté for about a minute, stirring continuously.

4. Final Assembly:

   • Pour the tadka over the cooked lentil curry. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro 🌿 for a fresh touch.

🍛 Serve & Enjoy!

Serve this delicious Dal Tadka with steamed rice, raita, and crispy papadums as part of a thali or enjoy it as a comforting main dish.