Craving a comforting and flavorful vegetarian dish? Look no further than Mixed Dal Tadka, a beloved Indian lentil stew bursting with aromatic spices. This simple yet satisfying recipe brings together a medley of lentils – typically red lentils (masoor dal), yellow lentils (toor dal), and split pigeon peas (arhar dal) – to create a creamy and nutritious base. The "tadka," a tempering of spices in hot oil, adds a delightful depth of flavor that elevates this humble dish to culinary perfection. Imagine the rich, earthy notes of the lentils perfectly balanced by the vibrant zing of freshly ground spices.
The beauty of Mixed Dal Tadka lies in its simplicity and adaptability. You can easily customize it to your taste preferences, adjusting the spice level and adding vegetables like spinach or tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor. Ready to experience the magic of this classic Indian comfort food? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create your own delicious bowl of Mixed Dal Tadka.
Tools Needed
- Pressure cooker or pan
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- Masoor Dal (Red Lentils): 1/4 cup
- Toor Dal (Pigeon Peas): 1/4 cup
- Moong Dal (Yellow Lentils): 1/4 cup
- Chana Dal (Split Chickpeas): 1/4 cup
- Water: 4 glasses
- Salt: 1.5 tsp (1 tsp for boiling, 0.5 tsp for tadka)
- Oil: 0.5 cup + 3 tbsp
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Cumin Seeds: 1 tsp + 1 tsp
- Garlic Paste: 1 tbsp
- Tomato Paste: 1 large tomato
- Red Chili Powder: 1 tsp
- Crushed Red Chilies: 1 tsp
- Turmeric Powder: 1/2 tsp
- Cumin Powder: 1 tsp
- Chicken Cube or Powder: 1 cube/to taste (optional)
- Yogurt: 3 tbsp
- Green Chilies: 2-3, slit
- Coriander Leaves: finely chopped, to garnish
- Garam Masala Powder: 0.5 tsp
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Dal
- Wash and soak all four types of lentils in water for 1 hour.
- Pressure cook the lentils with 4 glasses of water and 1 tsp of salt for 20 minutes on medium flame. If using a pan, cook for 30-35 minutes.
Step 2. Sauté Aromatics and Spices
- In a pan, heat 0.5 cup oil and sauté chopped onions and 1 tsp cumin seeds until softened.
- Add garlic paste and fry until fragrant.
- Add tomato paste and fry until the color deepens.
- Add salt, red chili powder, crushed red chilies, turmeric powder, and cumin powder. Fry well to remove the raw flavor.
- Add chicken cube (optional), 1/4 cup water, and cook until fragrant.
- Add yogurt and fry for 3-4 minutes until oil separates.
Step 3. Combine and Simmer
- Add the cooked lentils and mix well with the spice mixture. Cook for 5-6 minutes on low flame.
Step 4. Finish with Tadka
- Garnish with green chilies, coriander leaves, and garam masala powder.
- Heat 3 tbsp oil. Add garlic cloves, dried red chilies, green chilies, and cumin seeds. Fry until golden.
- Pour the hot tadka over the dal and mix gently.
Read more: Creamy Cashew Chicken Curry: A Simple Yet Sumptuous Recipe
Tips
- Don't soak the lentils for more than 1.5 hours, especially in summer.
- Adjust the amount of chili to your preference.
- Chicken cube or powder is optional. You can skip it.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use just one type of lentil instead of a mix?
Yes! Red lentils (masoor dal) work well on their own for a smoother, quicker-cooking dal. Toor dal (yellow lentils) also makes a delicious dal, though it will take a little longer to cook.
2. What if I don't have all the spices listed?
Don't worry! The most important spices are turmeric, cumin, and chili powder. You can adjust the recipe based on what you have available. Feel free to experiment!
This Creamy Mixed Dal Tadka recipe is a testament to the simplicity and deliciousness of Indian cuisine. Enjoy the satisfying warmth and vibrant flavors of this versatile dish, perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. Now go ahead and impress your family and friends with your newfound dal-making skills!