Dal Tadka Recipe: There’s a special kind of joy that comes with eating at a dhaba. The rustic atmosphere, the smoky aroma of ghee, and the soul-satisfying flavours make it unforgettable. One dish that truly stands out is Dal Tadka. Whether you’re on a road trip or just passing through a small town, this comforting dish always hits the spot. But what if we told you that you can make that same flavourful dal right in your kitchen? Let’s take a step-by-step journey to bring that unforgettable dhaba-style taste into your home.
Dal Tadka Recipe: Ingredients You’ll Need
To prepare authentic dhaba-style dal tadka, gather these simple ingredients:
- Arhar dal (Toor dal) – ½ cup
- Chana dal – 4 tablespoons
- Moong dal – 4 tablespoons
- Turmeric powder – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – as per taste
- Red chilli powder – 1 teaspoon
- Onion – 1 finely chopped
- Tomato – 1 finely chopped
- Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tablespoon
- Cumin seeds – 1 teaspoon
- Cinnamon stick – small piece
- Bay leaf – 1
- Dry red chillies – 1 to 2
- Asafoetida (Hing) – a pinch
- Coriander powder – 1 teaspoon
- Garam masala – 1 teaspoon
- Garlic cloves – 3 to 4, finely chopped
- Ghee – 4 tablespoons (divided)
- Fresh coriander leaves – finely chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Cooking Method
Cook the Lentils
To begin, thoroughly wash all three types of lentils arhar dal, chana dal, and moong dal – under running water. Once cleaned, transfer them to a pressure cooker and add enough water, along with a teaspoon of turmeric and salt to taste. Cook the dals for about 3 to 4 whistles until they are soft and easily mashable. This mixture forms the heart of your dal tadka, full of protein and comfort.
Prepare the Masala Base
While the lentils are cooking, you can start preparing the masala. In a deep pan or kadhai, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee. Once hot, add cumin seeds, a bay leaf, and a small stick of cinnamon. Let these ingredients crackle and release their aromas. Now add finely chopped onions and sauté them until they turn golden brown. Stir in a spoonful of ginger-garlic paste and cook for a few minutes until the raw aroma disappears. Then, add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and blend seamlessly with the onion base. Now it’s time to mix in the powdered spices – coriander powder, garam masala, and red chilli powder. Cook this mixture well until it turns aromatic and thick, forming a rich base for the dal.
Add the Cooked Dal
Once your masala is perfectly cooked, pour the pressure-cooked dal into the pan. Stir everything together gently to allow the flavors to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about five minutes on medium heat. Taste the dal and adjust the salt, keeping in mind that some salt was already added during pressure cooking. If you find the consistency too thick, you can add a little warm water to reach the desired texture. The dal should be smooth yet slightly hearty.
Final Tadka (Tempering)
Make the Tadka
Now comes the most exciting part of this dish, the tadka, or tempering, which brings the dhaba-style punch. In a small tadka pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of ghee. Add cumin seeds, dry red chillies, and a pinch of hing (asafoetida). Then, add finely chopped garlic and sauté until it turns golden brown. Just before turning off the heat, sprinkle a small pinch of red chilli powder into the hot ghee. This step gives the dal a beautiful, rich colour and infuses it with a smoky aroma that elevates the whole dish.
Pour Over Dal
Pour this sizzling tempering over the hot, simmering dal. As it hits the surface, it will sizzle and fill your kitchen with a mouth-watering fragrance. Stir it gently, and garnish the dal with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a fresh, herby touch.
Serving Suggestion
Serve this delicious dhaba-style dal tadka hot with steamed basmati rice, jeera rice, or even soft butter naan. For that extra indulgence, add a spoonful of ghee on top just before serving. A side of sliced onions and a dash of lemon juice will complete the authentic dhaba experience and leave your guests asking for seconds.
This dhaba-style dal tadka is much more than just a recipe – it’s an emotion, a throwback to those roadside meals that warm your heart and satisfy your soul. It’s the kind of food that turns a simple dinner into a memorable experience. Whether you’re sharing it with family on a cozy night or treating yourself on a lazy Sunday, this dal will surely bring comfort to your plate and joy to your heart.
Disclaimer: This recipe is intended for home use and personal enjoyment. Please feel free to adjust spices and ingredients according to your taste, health needs, or preferences.
Also Read
Dal Tadka: A Flavor Explosion That Will Elevate Your Everyday Meals
How to Make a Delicious Chicken Pizza at Home
How to Make a Chicken Sandwich: A Simple and Tasty Recipe
