Dal is a popular dish in South Asian cuisine. It is a type of lentil soup that is usually served with rice or bread. In India, there are many variations of dal, and one of the most famous is tarka dal. This dish is made with split yellow lentils, tempered with spices, and garnished with fried onions and garlic. In this article, we will be sharing the recipe for tarka dal by Madhur Jaffrey, an Indian-born actress and cookbook author.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need to make tarka dal:
1 cup of split yellow lentils (also known as chana dal)
4 cups of water
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric
3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon of mustard seeds
1/4 teaspoon of asafoetida (also known as hing)
2 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1-2 green chillies, slit lengthways
1/2 teaspoon of red chilli powder (optional)
2 tablespoons of chopped fresh coriander leaves (optional)
Instructions
Follow these steps to make tarka dal:
Rinse the lentils in cold water until the water runs clear.
In a medium saucepan, bring the lentils and water to a boil over high heat.
Reduce the heat to low and add the salt and turmeric. Simmer, partially covered, for 30-35 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
While the lentils are cooking, prepare the tarka. Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
Add the cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and asafoetida. Fry for a few seconds until the seeds start to pop.
Add the garlic and fry for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
Add the onion and green chillies and fry for 5-7 minutes until the onion is soft and lightly browned.
If you want a spicier tarka, add the red chilli powder and fry for a few seconds.
When the lentils are cooked, use an immersion blender or a potato masher to mash them to a smooth consistency.
Add the tarka to the lentils and stir well.
Simmer the dal for 5-10 minutes until the flavors have blended.
Garnish with chopped coriander leaves, if desired.
Serve hot with rice or bread.
Nutrition
Here is the approximate nutritional information for tarka dal:
Serving size: 1 cup
Calories: 225
Protein: 14g
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 10g
Sugar: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 592mg
Conclusion
Tarka dal is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make at home. With Madhur Jaffrey's recipe, you can enjoy the authentic flavors of Indian cuisine in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you serve it with rice or bread, tarka dal is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Try it today and see for yourself why it is one of the most beloved dishes in Indian cuisine.