In Hindi, lentils are referred to as dal, while a tadka is a fragrant tempering prepared by fusing spices with heated ghee or oil. Dal tadka, then, is a lentil curry that has been seasoned with flavour. Perhaps the most popular lentil curry is dal tadka. In north India, you'll often find two varieties of it: a straightforward, mild homestyle curry and a rustic, "Dhaba-style," street-style Dal Tadka. This delicious Punjabi dal tadka is typically eaten with roti, naan, or rice. This tadka dal is an essential component of every north Indian cuisine. The delicious dal tadka is the most ordered dish at almost all Indian restaurants.
Here's how you can make Dhaba-style dal tadka at home-
Ingredients
1. 1/2 Cup chana Dal
2. 1/2 cup toor Dal
3. 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
4. 1/2 tsp salt
5. 1 cup water
For gravy:
1. 2 tbsp oil
2. 1 tsp cumin seeds
3. 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
4. 1 onion, chopped
5. 1 tomato, chopped
6. 1/4 tsp salt
7. 1 tsp coriander powder
8. 1/2 tsp garam masala
9. 1 green chilli, chopped
10. 1/2 cup dal water
11. 1/2 tsp kasoori methi
For Tadka:
1. 2 tbsp oil
2. 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
3. 1 tsp garlic, chopped
4. 2 Red whole chilli
5. 1/2 tsp ginger
6. 1/2 tsp red chilli powder
7. 2 tbsp coriander leaves
Method
1. Soak chana dal for two hours in a bowl. In another bowl, soak toor dal similarly. Put both after soaking in a pressure cooker with water, salt, and turmeric powder.
2. The dals should be pressure cooked for 5-8 minutes (3-4 whistles) until both are fully done.
3. Cumin seeds are added to heated oil in a pan. Add the paste of ginger and garlic after they start to crackle. Add the onion and sauté it until it turns pink and golden. Tomatoes have been added; combine, and simmer a little longer.
4. After that, simmer for a minute while adding salt, coriander powder, garam masala, and green chilli. Add the dal water that remained after the dal and kasoori methi were finished boiling. The dal should be added to the onion-tomato gravy after it has been previously boiled. If necessary, add extra water.
5. Cumin seeds are added to heated oil in a pan. Allow it to fizz. Add ginger, garlic, and red whole chillies. For a few seconds, cook. Add coriander leaves and red chilli powder. Mix well.
6. Add the tadka over the dal and serve hot.