Craving a vibrant, flavorful, and effortlessly satisfying vegan meal? Look no further than Tarka Dahl, a simple yet incredibly delicious Indian lentil dish. This recipe skips the lengthy cooking times often associated with dahls, delivering a quick and healthy meal perfect for busy weeknights or a satisfying weekend lunch. The vibrant spices create a complex aroma that will tantalize your taste buds, and the creamy texture is unbelievably comforting. Forget complicated techniques and expensive ingredients; this recipe focuses on fresh, accessible components to achieve maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prepare yourself for a culinary journey that will leave you wanting more! This simple Tarka Dahl recipe is packed with flavor and surprisingly easy to prepare. Ready to dive in and discover the magic of this quick and easy vegan delight? Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
- Large Frying Pan
- Small Frying Pan
- Spice Grinder or Blender
Ingredients
- Red Lentils: 200g
- Water: 600ml
- Salt
- Turmeric: 1 tsp
- Oil: 2-3 tbsp
- White Onion: 1 large
- Garlic: 4-6 cloves
- Ginger: thumb-sized piece
- Cumin Seeds: 1 tbsp
- Green Chilies: 1-2 small
- Coriander
- Chili Flakes
- Red Onion Pickle
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Lentils
- Rinse 200g red lentils under cold water 2-3 times. Cover with 600ml water (3x the weight of lentils), add salt and turmeric. Bring to a boil.
Step 2. Caramelize Onions and Sauté Aromatics
- In a large frying pan, heat 2-3 tbsp oil. Add 1 large sliced white onion and a pinch of salt. Cook low and slow until soft and caramelized.
- Add crushed garlic and ginger paste (4-6 cloves garlic, thumb-sized ginger) to the onion. Cook until the raw garlic smell disappears.
- In a small pan, heat oil and add 1 tbsp cumin seeds and 1-2 slit green chilies. Fry until golden and aromatic.
Step 3. Combine and Season
- Once lentils are cooked, stir in the onion mixture and the spice mixture. Season with salt to taste.
Step 4. Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with chopped coriander, chili flakes, and red onion pickle (see link in video for recipe). Serve with rice or chapatti.
Read more: Vegan Carrot Halwa: Easy Indian Dessert Recipe
Tips
- Cook onions low and slow for maximum flavor.
- Dahl often needs a fair amount of salt to bring out the flavors.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of lentils?
Yes! Red lentils are traditional, but you can experiment with yellow lentils or even a mix for a different texture.
2. What if I don't have all the spices listed?
Don't worry! Feel free to substitute or omit spices based on what you have. The core flavors come from the turmeric and cumin.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Tarka Dahl tastes even better the next day. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
So there you have it – a simple, sexy, and satisfying Tarka Dahl that’s ready in minutes. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the effortless elegance of this quick and delicious vegan Indian delight!