Punjabi dal tadka is one of the most popular indian lentil dishes. It is traditionally made with arhar dal (husked & split pigeon peas). Even though this vegetarian dish originated in the northern state of punjab, it has made its way into households and restaurant menus all over india. Now, each household has its own variation of the dal tadka, and the dish can range in spice levels from moderate to spicy. The tadka or the temper that lends its intense flavor to the dal predominantly consists of garlic, chilies and cumin seeds.