When it comes to soul-satisfying Indian food, nothing beats a hot bowl of Dal Tadka with steamed rice or chapati. This humble dish is a staple in almost every Indian household, combining simple ingredients with aromatic spices. Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a festive spread, Dal Tadka recipe is always a comforting choice.

At Mala Flavors, we bring you the authentic taste of dal with a touch of homestyle magic. Let’s dive into different variations like chana dal tadka, mix dal tadka, and the all-time favorite dal fry that pairs perfectly with dal tadka chawal.

How to Make Dal Tadka Recipe

Recipe by Rachana SinghCourse: Main CourseCuisine: IndianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

190

kcal

Total time

minutes

Dal Tadka is a dish made with cooked lentils (dal) tempered with ghee, garlic, onions, tomatoes, and a variety of spices. The tempering (or “tadka”) poured over the dal enhances its flavor and gives it that irresistible aroma that makes you want to dig in immediately.

Ingredients for Dal Tadka Recipe

½ cup toor dal (pigeon pea lentils)
¼ cup chana dal (Bengal gram) – for making chana dal tadka
2 tbsp moong dal (optional for mix dal tadka)
2 cups water
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1-2 green chilies
1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
½ tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp red chili powder
1 tsp cumin seeds
2 tbsp ghee or oil
Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Salt to taste

Directions

Step 1 – Cook the Dal
Wash and soak toor dal and chana dal (or other dals for mix dal tadka) for 15-20 minutes.
Pressure cook the dal with turmeric, salt, and water until soft and mushy.
Step 2 – Prepare the Tadka
Heat ghee in a pan.
Add cumin seeds, let them crackle.
Add onions, green chilies, and ginger-garlic paste. Sauté till golden brown.
Mix in tomatoes and cook till soft.
Add red chili powder and mix well.
Step 3 – Combine
Add the cooked dal to the pan and mix with the masala.
Simmer for 5-7 minutes to let the flavors blend.
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Serving Suggestions

Pair hot Dal Tadka Chawal with papad and pickle for the ultimate comfort meal.
Serve with roti, naan, or jeera rice for a wholesome dinner.
If you love restaurant-style dal, try Dal Fry – thicker, richer, and made with an extra layer of tadka.

Dal Tadka Variations

Chana Dal Tadka – Uses Bengal gram for a nuttier flavor.
Mix Dal Tadka – A healthy mix of toor, moong, masoor, and chana dal.
Dal Fry – A richer version with double tempering, often served in Indian restaurants.

Dal Tadka Video

Want to see the process step by step? Watch our Dal Tadka video on YouTube where we show you how to make this classic dish at home in just a few minutes.

Dal Tadka is not just a dish—it’s comfort in a bowl. Whether you enjoy chana dal tadka, mix dal tadka, or simple dal fry, it’s a recipe that never disappoints. Next time you crave a wholesome Indian meal, serve dal tadka chawal with love and warmth.

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