Dal Tadka is a popular dish in Indian cuisine and has a long history and origin in the country.

The word “dal” means lentils in Hindi, and “tadka” refers to the process of tempering spices and herbs in hot oil or ghee and adding them to the dal. This technique of tempering is known as “tarka” in the Punjabi language.

Lentils have been a staple food in India for thousands of years and were consumed by both the rich and poor. They are a great source of protein and other essential nutrients and are also easy to cultivate.

The origin of Dal Tadka is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the northern part of India, specifically Punjab. The dish is typically made with yellow or red lentils, which are cooked until tender and then tempered with spices like cumin, mustard seeds, turmeric, and red chili powder.

Dal Tadka is now a popular dish across India and is also enjoyed in many other countries around the world. It is often served with rice or bread and is a comforting and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters alike.

Overall, the history and origin of Dal Tadka reflect the rich culinary traditions of India, and the dish remains a favorite among people of all ages and backgrounds.

Dal Tadka Recipe:

Dal Tadka Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup yellow split lentils (toor dal)
  • 1/2 cup split chickpeas (chana dal)
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tomato, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder (use Healthy Lakadong Turmeric Powder)
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 2 tbsp ghee or oil (if using oil then go for Cold Pressed groundnut Oil)
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the lentils thoroughly and soak them in water for 30 minutes.
  2. In a pressure cooker, heat ghee or oil and add cumin seeds. Once they start to splutter, add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
  3. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute.
  4. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy.
  5. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
  6. Drain the lentils and add them to the pressure cooker along with 4 cups of water. Mix well and close the lid of the cooker. Cook on medium heat for 3-4 whistles.
  7. Once the pressure is released, open the cooker and mix the lentils well. Add more water if needed to get the desired consistency.
  8. In a separate pan, heat some ghee or oil and add a pinch of cumin seeds. Once they start to splutter, pour the tempering over the cooked lentils.
  9. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or bread.

Dal Tadka Dhaba Style:

Dal Tadka Dhaba Style

Dhaba-style Dal Tadka is a little different from the traditional recipe. It is a little spicier and has a smoky flavor, which comes from the coal used to temper the lentils. Here’s how you can make Dhaba-style Dal Tadka:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup yellow split lentils (toor dal)
  • 1/2 cup split chickpeas (chana dal)
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tomato, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 2 tbsp ghee or oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
  • Charcoal

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the lentils thoroughly and soak them in water for 30 minutes.
  2. In a pressure cooker, heat ghee or oil and add cumin seeds. Once they start to splutter, add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
  3. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute.
  4. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy.
  5. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
  6. Drain the lentils and add them to the pressure cooker along with 4 cups of water. Mix well and close the lid of the cooker. Cook on medium heat for 3-4 whistles.
  7. Once the pressure is released, open the cooker and mix the lentils well. Add more water if needed to get the desired consistency.
  8. Heat a small piece of charcoal until it is red hot.
  9. Place a small metal bowl on top of the cooked lentils and put the hot coal in it.
  10. Pour a little ghee or oil over the coal and immediately cover the pressure cooker with a lid. This will create smoke, which will infuse the lentils with a smoky flavor.
  11. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes and then remove the coal and bowl.
  12. In a separate pan, heat some ghee or oil and add a pinch of cumin seeds. Once they start to splutter, pour the tempering over the cooked lentils.
  13. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or bread.

Dal Tadka Instant Pot:

Dal Tadka cooked in Instant Pot

Here’s a recipe for making Dal Tadka in an Instant Pot:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup yellow or red lentils
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon ghee or oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 tomato, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ginger paste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the lentils in cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. In the Instant Pot, add the lentils and 3 cups of water. Close the lid and set the valve to “sealing”. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before doing a quick release.
  3. While the lentils are cooking, heat the ghee or oil in a pan. Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter.
  4. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
  5. Add the chopped tomato, ginger paste, garlic paste, turmeric powder, and red chili powder. Sauté for a few minutes until the tomatoes are soft.
  6. Add the sautéed mixture to the cooked lentils and mix well. Add salt to taste.
  7. Turn on the sauté function on the Instant Pot and let the dal come to a boil. Stir in the chopped cilantro.
  8. Serve hot with rice or bread. Enjoy your delicious Dal Tadka!

Dal Tadka Calories:

Dal Tadka Calories

The calorie breakdown for one serving of Dal Tadka can vary depending on the specific ingredients and the serving size, but here is a general breakdown:

  • 1/2 cup of cooked lentils (approximately 100g): 116 calories
  • 1 teaspoon of ghee or oil (approximately 5g): 45 calories
  • 1/2 onion (approximately 50g): 22 calories
  • 1 tomato (approximately 100g): 18 calories
  • Spices (cumin, turmeric, chili powder, etc.): minimal calories
  • Salt: minimal calories
  • 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro (approximately 4g): 1 calorie

Total: Approximately 202 calories per serving

Keep in mind that the serving size can vary depending on how much Dal Tadka you consume. Additionally, if you serve the dal with rice or bread, the total calorie count will be higher.

Tips & Tricks:

Here are some tips and tricks for making the perfect Dal Tadka:

  1. Soak the lentils for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will help them cook faster and more evenly.
  2. Use the sauté function on the Instant Pot to cook the onions and tomatoes until they are soft and caramelized. This will give the dal a deeper, richer flavor.
  3. Add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) to the tempering before adding cumin seeds. This will help with digestion and add a unique flavor to the dal.
  4. Use a combination of ghee and oil for tempering. Ghee adds a rich flavor while oil prevents it from burning.
  5. Use a hand blender to blend the dal for a creamier texture.
  6. If you prefer a thicker dal, reduce the amount of water you add. If you prefer a thinner dal, add more water.
  7. Adjust the spice level to your liking. You can add more or less red chili powder depending on how spicy you like your food.
  8. If you’re using yellow lentils, you can add a pinch of sugar to balance out the flavors.
  9. Always taste the dal and adjust the seasoning as needed.
  10. Add fresh cilantro at the end for a burst of fresh flavor.

By following these tips, you can make a delicious and authentic Dal Tadka that will impress your family and friends.

In conclusion, Dal Tadka is a delicious and nutritious Indian dish made with lentils and a variety of spices and aromatics. It has a long history and origin in India and is now enjoyed around the world. When made in an Instant Pot, it can be a quick and easy meal to prepare.

Overall, Dal Tadka is a great dish to add to your repertoire if you are looking for a flavorful and satisfying meal that is also healthy and nutritious.