Dal (Indian Lentil Curry)

Name: Dal (Indian Lentil Curry)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 2 tbsp / 30 g ghee (, or 1 tbsp oil + 1 tbsp/15g butter (Note 1)); 2 green cayenne chillies (, deseeded and cut into chunks (optional) (Note 2)); 1 medium onion (, finely chopped (brown or yellow)); 6 garlic cloves (, finely chopped); 1 tbsp ginger (, finely chopped (1.5cm / 3/5")); 8 fresh curry leaves (, or 6 dried (Note 3)); 1 tomato (, chopped); 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1 cup dried chana dal (, yellow split peas or other yellow lentils (Note 4 for other lentils)); 4 cups / 1 litre water; 1/2 tsp turmeric powder; 1/8 tsp garam marsala; 3/4 tsp salt; 1 1/2 tbsp / 20g ghee (, or half each butter + oil (Note 1)); 1 eschalot or 1/4 small onion (, halved lengthways and sliced (Note 5)); 1 tsp cumin seeds; 1/2 tsp black mustard seeds ((optional)); 3 dried chillies (, broken in half, seeds removed (optional)); Fresh coriander/cilantro sprigs ((optional)); Steamed basmati rice

Instructions

Prep:15minCook:1h 30min

Recipe video below. There are countless variations of Dal all across India. This is a northern Indian version called "dal tadka" that's akin to what is served in Indian restaurants. "Tadka" refers to spices sizzling in hot oil that's poured over the dal. It's dramatic and gives it a flavour bump - but is optional. I include it for company, and leave it out for midweek or if being served alongside other punchy flavoured curries. Heat level in this recipe is mild - just a tickle. If you like it fiery, try leaving in the seeds in the chillies and/or adding some chilli powder. This is a dal that's flavourful to have as a main!

Updated at: Fri, 27 Jun 2025 02:25:37 GMT