Tarka dal is a popular lentil dish in South Asian cuisine, known for its rich and comforting flavors. Here's a simple recipe for tarka dal that you can try at home:

Ingredients:

  1. 1 cup yellow lentils (moong dal)
  2. 3 cups water
  3. 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  4. Salt to taste
  5. For Tarka (Tempering):
  6. 2 tbsp ghee or oil
  7. 1 tsp cumin seeds
  8. 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
  9. 3-4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  10. 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped
  11. 1 medium-sized tomato, chopped
  12. 1/2 tsp red chili powder
  13. 1/2 tsp coriander powder
  14. 1/4 tsp garam masala
  15. 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves


Instructions:

Rinse the lentils thoroughly and soak them in water for 30 minutes.

In a pressure cooker, add the soaked lentils, 3 cups of water, turmeric powder, and salt to taste.

Cook the lentils in the pressure cooker for about 3-4 whistles or until they become soft and mushy.

Once the pressure cooker cools down, open the lid and whisk the lentils until they become smooth.

In a separate pan, heat ghee or oil over medium heat.

Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

Add the chopped onion and sauté until they become translucent.

Add garlic and green chilies and sauté for a minute.

Add the chopped tomato and cook until they become soft and mushy.

Add red chili powder, coriander powder, and gram masala, and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

Add the cooked lentils to the pan and mix well.

Simmer the lentils for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the dal thickens to your desired consistency.

Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with rice, naan or roti.

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious tarka dal!