Masoor Dal Tadka

Experience the simple yet profound flavors of Indian cuisine with our Masoor Dal Tadka recipe. This comforting dish features red lentils (masoor dal) cooked to perfection and then tempered with aromatic spices and herbs in hot oil or ghee, a process known as tadka. The result is a hearty, nourishing bowl of dal with layers of flavor that dance on your palate. Masoor Dal Tadka is not only a staple in Indian households but also a source of protein and fiber, making it a wholesome choice for any meal. Serve it with steamed rice or your favorite Indian bread for a satisfying experience. Follow our easy recipe to bring the authentic taste of this beloved Indian lentil dish to your dining table, offering warmth and nutrition in every spoonful.

AuthorJulia ForesekCategory, DifficultyIntermediate

Yields4 Servings
Prep Time10 minsCook Time35 minsTotal Time45 mins

For the Dal:
 1 cup masoor dal (red lentils), rinsed and drained
 3 cups water
 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
 Salt to taste
For the Tadka (Tempering):
 2 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional)
 1 onion, finely chopped
 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
 1-inch piece ginger, minced
 1-2 green chilies, slit (adjust to taste)
 1 tomato, finely chopped
 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
 Fresh coriander leaves, chopped, for garnish

1

Cook the Dal:

In a large pot, combine the masoor dal, water, turmeric powder, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the dal is tender and broken down, about 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more water if needed to reach your desired consistency.

2

Prepare the Tadka:

In a separate small pan, heat the ghee or oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and mustard seeds (if using) and let them crackle.
Add the chopped onion, garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté until the onions are golden brown.
Stir in the chopped tomato, red chili powder, and garam masala. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and the oil starts to separate from the mixture.

3

Combine Dal and Tadka:

Pour the tadka over the cooked dal and mix well. Simmer the dal for an additional 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.

4

Garnish and Serve:

Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with steamed rice or Indian bread like roti or naan.

Ingredients

For the Dal:
 1 cup masoor dal (red lentils), rinsed and drained
 3 cups water
 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
 Salt to taste
For the Tadka (Tempering):
 2 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional)
 1 onion, finely chopped
 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
 1-inch piece ginger, minced
 1-2 green chilies, slit (adjust to taste)
 1 tomato, finely chopped
 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
 Fresh coriander leaves, chopped, for garnish

Directions

1

Cook the Dal:

In a large pot, combine the masoor dal, water, turmeric powder, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the dal is tender and broken down, about 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more water if needed to reach your desired consistency.

2

Prepare the Tadka:

In a separate small pan, heat the ghee or oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and mustard seeds (if using) and let them crackle.
Add the chopped onion, garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté until the onions are golden brown.
Stir in the chopped tomato, red chili powder, and garam masala. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and the oil starts to separate from the mixture.

3

Combine Dal and Tadka:

Pour the tadka over the cooked dal and mix well. Simmer the dal for an additional 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.

4

Garnish and Serve:

Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with steamed rice or Indian bread like roti or naan.

Masoor Dal Tadka
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