Dal Tadka Recipe | Punjabi Yellow Dal with Tadka - VegeCravings (2024)

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Dal Tadka Recipe | Punjabi Yellow Dal with Tadka - VegeCravings (1)

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Dal Tadkais a North Indian dal (lentil) recipe made from Toor Dal & gets its distinct taste from a flavorful & aromatic tempering of ghee, cumin seeds, heeng (asafoetida) & red chillies.

Even though it is the most common dish in Indian cuisine, it enjoys an iconic place due to its distinct taste and aroma. Dal tadka is also a favorite and most demanded food at Indian restaurants and dhabas.

Dal tadka can be prepared using toor dal cooked in a spicy onion tomato masala. You can also use a mix of different dals and most commonly used ones are toor dal (split pigeon peas), chana dal (split chickpeas), moong dal (yellow lentil) or masoor dal (red split lentil).

The tempering for this dish is prepared in desi ghee (clarified butter) which gives it an amazing flavor. However, you can also use vegetable oil to prepare the tempering.

Seasoning it with a variety of spices like jeera (cumin seeds), garlic and ginger and topping with fresh coriander leaves makes this dish aromatic and delicious. A dash of heeng (asafoetida) further enhances its taste and aroma.

Dal tadka tastes best when served hot and goes well with hot pulkas, chapati, naan etc. It also makes a fantastic combination when eaten along with hot steamed rice orjeera rice

To make Dal Tadka at home follow the detailed step by step recipe with photos posted below.

See more related recipes like:

  • Dal Fry
  • Dal Makhani
  • Dal Palak
  • Moong Dal
  • Sabut Masoor Dal
  • Panchmel Dal
  • Lauki Chana Dal

Dal Tadka Recipe | Punjabi Yellow Dal with Tadka - VegeCravings (2)

Dal Tadka Recipe | Punjabi Yellow Dal with Tadka

Dal Tadka is a North Indian recipe made from Toor Dal & gets its distinct taste from a flavorful & aromatic tempering of Ghee, Cumin Seeds, Heeng & Red Chillies.

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings 4

Category Main Course

Cuisine Indian

Ingredients For Dal Tadka Recipe | Punjabi Yellow Dal with Tadka

For the Dal

  • 1 Cup Toor Dal (Arhar Dal / Split Pigeon Peas)
  • 1 Medium Sized Onion
  • 2 Medium Sized Tomatoes
  • 1-2 Green Chillies
  • 1 Inch Piece of Ginger
  • 1 Teaspoon Rai (Black Mustard Seeds)
  • 1 Teaspoon Turmeric Powder (Haldi)
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Red Chilli Powder
  • 1 Teaspoon Salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Garam Masala
  • 1.5 Tablespoons Oil or Ghee
  • 1/4 Cup Coriander Leaves (Cilantro or Dhaniya)

For the Tempering

  • 1 Teaspoon Cumin Seeds (Jeera)
  • 5-6 Garlic Cloves
  • 2 Whole Dried Red Chillies
  • 1/4 Teaspoon Heeng (Asafoetida)
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Red Chilli Powder
  • 2 Teaspoons Oil or Ghee

Step By Step Instructions for Dal Tadka Recipe | Punjabi Yellow Dal with Tadka

  • Wash the toor dal 3-4 times and soak them in warm water for 15-20 minutes.

    1 Cup Toor Dal (Arhar Dal / Split Pigeon Peas)

    Dal Tadka Recipe | Punjabi Yellow Dal with Tadka - VegeCravings (3)

  • Drain the water and add the dal to a pressure cooker. Also add 3 cups of water.

    Dal Tadka Recipe | Punjabi Yellow Dal with Tadka - VegeCravings (4)

  • Add salt and turmeric powder to the dal and stir to mix. Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook till you get 1 whistle. Then let the steam come out before opening the cooker.

    1 Teaspoon Salt, or to taste, 1 Teaspoon Turmeric Powder (Haldi)

    Dal Tadka Recipe | Punjabi Yellow Dal with Tadka - VegeCravings (5)

  • Add some ghee in a pan. You can also use vegetable oil or butter instead of ghee.

    1.5 Tablespoons Oil or Ghee

    Dal Tadka Recipe | Punjabi Yellow Dal with Tadka - VegeCravings (6)

  • Add black mustard seeds (rai) when the ghee becomes hot. Fry till the rai starts to splutter.

    1 Teaspoon Rai (Black Mustard Seeds)

    Dal Tadka Recipe | Punjabi Yellow Dal with Tadka - VegeCravings (7)

  • Add chopped onions to the pan along with finely chopped ginger and green chillies.

    1 Medium Sized Onion, 1 Inch Piece of Ginger, 1-2 Green Chillies

    Dal Tadka Recipe | Punjabi Yellow Dal with Tadka - VegeCravings (8)

  • Fry till the onions turn golden brown and start leaving fat.

    Dal Tadka Recipe | Punjabi Yellow Dal with Tadka - VegeCravings (9)

  • Now add pureed or chopped tomatoes. Fry till the tomatoes are cooked.

    2 Medium Sized Tomatoes

    Dal Tadka Recipe | Punjabi Yellow Dal with Tadka - VegeCravings (10)

  • Add red chilli powder and garam masala to the gravy.

    1/2 Teaspoon Red Chilli Powder, 1/2 Teaspoon Garam Masala

    Dal Tadka Recipe | Punjabi Yellow Dal with Tadka - VegeCravings (11)

  • Cook for 2 minutes or the the gravy is nicely roasted.

    Dal Tadka Recipe | Punjabi Yellow Dal with Tadka - VegeCravings (12)

  • Add the cooked dal to the prepared onion tomato masala, and mix well.

    Dal Tadka Recipe | Punjabi Yellow Dal with Tadka - VegeCravings (13)

  • Also add some chopped coriander leaves on the top.

    1/4 Cup Coriander Leaves (Cilantro or Dhaniya)

    Dal Tadka Recipe | Punjabi Yellow Dal with Tadka - VegeCravings (14)

  • To prepare the tempering, heat 2 teaspoons of ghee in a small pan.

    2 Teaspoons Oil or Ghee

    Dal Tadka Recipe | Punjabi Yellow Dal with Tadka - VegeCravings (15)

  • Then add cumin seeds and fry till they start to splutter. Add a pinch of asafoetida (heeng).

    1 Teaspoon Cumin Seeds (Jeera), 1/4 Teaspoon Heeng (Asafoetida)

    Dal Tadka Recipe | Punjabi Yellow Dal with Tadka - VegeCravings (16)

  • Add minced garlic cloves to the ghee and fry till they turn light brown.

    5-6 Garlic Cloves

    Dal Tadka Recipe | Punjabi Yellow Dal with Tadka - VegeCravings (17)

  • Also fry dried red chillies. Finally add a little bit of red chilli powder to give color to the tempering.

    2 Whole Dried Red Chillies, 1/2 Teaspoon Red Chilli Powder

    Dal Tadka Recipe | Punjabi Yellow Dal with Tadka - VegeCravings (18)

  • Pour the tempering on top of the dal. Mix everything together before serving. This dal tastes best when served hot along with some mild flavored rice. It can also be served in the side of any Indian bread and dry vegetable dish.

    Dal Tadka Recipe | Punjabi Yellow Dal with Tadka - VegeCravings (19)

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Dal Tadka Recipe | Punjabi Yellow Dal with Tadka - VegeCravings (2024)

FAQs

What is yellow dal tadka made of? ›

Out of moong dal, chana dal, masoor dal and toovar dal, you can take any one dal or any combination of it in this recipe. However, make sure that their total quantity is 1 cup. Ghee is used for a nice flavor and this is what makes it so popular. However, you can also use butter or oil as its replacement.

What is the difference between dal and Dal Tadka? ›

In Hindi, the word 'Dal' means 'lentils' and Tadka means 'tempering'. So Dal Tadka means lentils finished with a tempering, at the end. Also known as Tarka daal, this is immensely popular in the Indian restaurants.

How do you enhance the taste of dhal? ›

To make the dal flavourful and aromatic, heat mustard oil or 2 spoons of ghee in a tadka pan. Add 1/2 tsp cumin seeds and 1 tsp mustard seeds to it. After the mustard and cumin seeds crackle, add them to the lentils and enjoy the flavourful dal.

What is the difference between dal makhani and daal tarka? ›

Dal Makhni - A regular Black/Green Moong dal having butter. Dal Fry - Any yellow dal fried specially with onion and tomatoes in northern India. Dal Tadka - Any yellow dal spiced with tadka. The tadka includes a good number of regular spices for ex.

Is yellow tadka dal healthy? ›

It's an excellent source of iron, magnesium, B vitamins, zinc and potassium. So it's good to include it as part of a healthy diet.

What is the difference between Dahl and Tarka Dahl? ›

In reality, Tarka signifies that the dhal has been tempered with a mixture of crisp fried garlic, onion and chilli towards the end of cooking, a process which adds a total flavour bomb to the lentils.

Is tarka dal unhealthy? ›

Tarka Dhal is food for the soul, it will heal you from the inside out, this is what I eat if I seek comfort from feeling run down and tired. Its full of nutrient rich spices and herbs, and the Lentils are high in fibre, low in fat, help to lower cholesterol, are good for the heart and can be easily digested.

Which dal is most delicious? ›

Urad dal is the main ingredient that offers rich and delicious taste to very famous dal makhana. Urad dal items like idly, dosa, tasty bonds and vadas are a staple for breakfast and it is piled up with protein, potassium, calcium, iron and vitamins A and C.

What is tadka dal called in English? ›

The literal translation of Dal Tadka is Dal=lentil and tadka=tempering. Tadka or chaunk (in hindi) is a term we often use in Indian cooking for the process of adding seasoning to a dish. It mostly involves adding spices like cumin seeds, mustard seeds, garlic, chilies, curry leaves etc. to hot oil or ghee.

How do you get rid of gas in dhal? ›

Apart from soaking dals overnight or allowing them to ferment, adding carminative spices like cumin, fennel, coriander, cardamom, pepper, and a pinch of asafoetida is said to aid digestion which prevents gas and the uncomfortable bloat feel.

How do you thicken yellow dal? ›

You can add tomato puree in oil and add to the dal , if dal is too watery and you want to thicken it add 1 or 2 spoon besan in water make a slurry add to dal and boil well it will thicken the dal. Lentils will thicken naturally if you simmer them uncovered, and allow the broth to steam away.

Why does my Dahl taste bland? ›

Salt is one of the most important things you must get right when making your daal. People often ask me why their daal doesn't taste as good as it could and it's usually because they didn't add enough salt (or they skip the tarka!

How unhealthy is dal makhani? ›

While dal makhani can be a healthy dish, adding butter or cream can increase calorie and fat content. Consuming dal makhani in moderation is recommended as part of a well-balanced diet, and watching portion sizes if following a weight loss diet.

What dal is Dal Tadka made of? ›

Tuvar dal – Generally dal tadka is made with tuvar dal or arhar dal also known as split pigeon pea lentils. In this post, I have shared the dal recipe made with tuvar dal. Moong dal – Even moong lentils can be used to make the recipe. At times I make this recipe both with tuvar dal and moong dal.

Is Dal Fry the same as Dal Tadka? ›

What is the difference between dal fry and dal tadka? Dal fry is when you add cooked dal to the sautéed/ fried masala & simmered for a short time. Dal tadka is when you pour tadka (tempering) over cooked spiced dal & no further cooking is done.

What is yellow dal made of? ›

Made with yellow lentils, fresh ginger, turmeric, coriander, and cumin, this mild dal recipe is one the whole family will love. This easy dinner meal cooks up on the stovetop for a perfect weeknight meal when time is tight but tasty enough that it works for more special occasions.

What does yellow dal contain? ›

Moong dal is a nutrient-rich food. It is enriched with minerals like potassium, magnesium, iron, and copper. In addition to this, it also contains folate, fibre, and vitamin B6. Rich in B-complex vitamins, this yellow dal helps break down carbohydrates into glucose and produce usable energy for your body.

What is the difference between yellow dal tadka and dal fry? ›

What is the difference between dal fry and dal tadka? Dal fry is when you add cooked dal to the sautéed/ fried masala & simmered for a short time. Dal tadka is when you pour tadka (tempering) over cooked spiced dal & no further cooking is done.

What is the content of yellow dal? ›

YELLOW MOONG DAL, YELLOW
NameAmountUnit
Protein25.7g
Total lipid (fat)0g
Carbohydrate, by difference57.1g
Fiber, total dietary14.3g
10 more rows

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