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.
Tarka dal is a popular Indian dish made from lentils that are cooked with spices and herbs. The dish is commonly served in Indian households and is also a staple food in many Indian restaurants. The key ingredient in this recipe is the lentils, which are rich in protein and fiber. The dish is easy to make and can be enjoyed as a side dish or as a main course with rice or bread.
Ingredients
1 cup yellow split peas
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
2 teaspoons turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 tomato, chopped
1 tablespoon ghee or oil
Salt, to taste
3 cups water
Cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
Rinse the yellow split peas in cold water and soak them in water for at least 30 minutes.
Drain the water and place the split peas in a pressure cooker with 3 cups of water.
Pressure cook for 15-20 minutes or until the dal is cooked and soft.
In a separate pan, heat the ghee or oil and add cumin seeds and mustard seeds.
When the seeds start to splutter, add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
Add minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for a minute.
Add turmeric powder and red chili powder and sauté for 30 seconds.
Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy.
Add the cooked lentils to the pan and mix well.
Add salt to taste and simmer for 5-10 minutes.
Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve hot with rice or bread.
Nutrition
Tarka dal is a healthy and nutritious dish that is rich in protein and fiber. One serving of tarka dal contains approximately 250 calories, 16 grams of protein, and 7 grams of fiber. The dish is also low in fat and cholesterol, making it a great option for those who are watching their weight or trying to maintain a healthy diet.
The lentils in tarka dal are a great source of plant-based protein, which is important for maintaining muscle mass and promoting overall health. Lentils are also rich in fiber, which helps to regulate digestion and prevent constipation.
The spices and herbs used in tarka dal, such as cumin, turmeric, and ginger, are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These ingredients can help to reduce inflammation in the body and protect against chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
In conclusion, tarka dal is a delicious and healthy dish that is easy to make and can be enjoyed by everyone. It is a great source of protein and fiber and is low in fat and cholesterol. So, next time you are looking for a healthy and nutritious meal, give tarka dal a try!