Tadka Dal - Authentic version

Updated at: Tue, 05 Dec 2023 17:55:09 GMT

Step 1

Cook time 15 to 30 min

Step 2

Prep time Under 15 min

Step 3

Serves 4 people

Step 4

1.

Step 5

Wash the lentils well in cold water until the water runs clear. Red Lentils tend to require a little tedious cleaning process.

Step 6

2.

Step 7

Heat 1 tbsp of ghee (or oil) in a saucepan and add onions and garlic along with salt and turmeric - about 2 minutes. I usually tend to skip the oil for this. The salt helps the onions to sweat and hence I personally feel that fat perse is not needed to make it soft.

Step 8

3.

Step 9

Add the chopped tomatoes and saute for another 2 minutes.

Step 10

4.

Step 11

Add the lentils along with 3 cups of water.

Step 12

5.

Step 13

You can adjust the amount of water once the lentils are cooked depending on the consistency you prefer.

Step 14

6.

Step 15

Stir and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, close with a lid and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until cooked. I have this lid with a hole on top which prevents the lentils from boiling over cos of steam. If you do not have such a lid, make sure to partially close the lid/ or open cook to allow the steam from escaping. Otherwise it will boil over the pan

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7.

Step 17

Once the lentils are cooked, give them a stir and adjust the amount of water as per your liking.

Step 18

8.

Step 19

In another pan, heat the remaining ghee. Add mustard seeds and when they start popping, add the cumin, ginger, red chillies, asafoetida and curry leaves.

Step 20

9.

Step 21

Add it to the dal. Give it a quick stir and serve hot garnished with cilantro.

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