Dal is a staple of Indian cuisine. With its aromatic spice, sharp chilli and fresh herbs, it has traversed the world and become anything from a cooling summer lunch dish to indulgent comfort food. Dishes can simple accompaniments or adapted and grandiosely pimped into main courses. Lentils are a great source of protein and favoured by many vegetarians and vegans. Tadka Dal is one of the bolder versions. It packs a punch with spice mix and garlic.  

Ingredients

• 2 cups Taj brand Split Red Lentils (Masoor Dal) 
• 2 tsps turmeric
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tsps cumin seeds
• 1 tsp coriander
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves Taj Brand Peeled Frozen Garlic cloves, thawed and minced
• 1-2 Taj Brand Frozen Hot Green Chillies, chopped
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 cube of Taj Brand Frozen Crushed Ginger
• salt, pepper to taste
• coriander, to garnish

 

Instructions

1. Add lentils to a large pot and cover with 2 inches of water over the top
2. Simmer lentils over medium heat, removing any “scum” that may come up to the top of the water
3. Mix in turmeric and butter and continue simmering until lentils are soft (approx 15 min)
4. In a large pan, heat cumin and coriander seeds until fragrant
5. Remove from heat and grind seeds in mortar and pestle
6. Spoon butter into pan and melt over low-medium heat
7. Add in onion, garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, chillies, garam masala, and ginger
8. Stir until garlic is golden brown
9. When lentils are soft, pour spice mixture from pan over lentils and mix well
10. Salt and pepper to taste
11. Garnish with coriander leaves

Serving suggestion: Tadka Dal is best served with Basmati Rice for a wholesome complete meal. Try this Recipe with Taj Classic Basmati Rice

Recipe Notes: Taj Frozen Ginger/Garlic is recommended over pastes as these are 100% Pure & free of any kind of additives, preservatives and thickeners.