Dal tadka dhaba style (toor dal)

Dal Tadka Dhaba style (toor dal) is a popular Indian lentil dish made with toor dal (arhar dal) and sometimes masoor dal like in this recipe. The dal is cooked until it breaks down and becomes creamy and delicious and is topped with tempered ghee and spices. We then use a piece of charcoal to add a smoky flavour. 

 

What is Dal?

Dal, Daal or Shal refers to dried split pulse - lentils, peas and beans. They require pre soaking before cooking.

They form some staple and extremely popular recipes in South Asian counties and are an important part of Indian cuisine. 

It is often served with Jeera Rice or flatbreads such as rotis/chapattis.

What is Tadka Dal?

Tadka Dal is one of the most popular Dal dishes served in Indian homes and restaurants.

As Dal can be bland, adding a tempered ghee with spices adds robust flavour as well as colour.

Which Dal is used in Tadka?

 It can be made with Tuvar Dal or Red Lentil Dal. It can also be made with a combination of both. You can also add other Dals such as Mung and split yellow Lentils.

What does Dal Tadka mean?

Dal means Lentils.

Tadka means tempering.

Ingredients in dal tadka dhaba style (toor dal)

Tuvar dal  -also known as arhar dal or split pigeon peas)

Chillies - pierced or sliced.

Onions - diced. You can use White or red.

Ginger and Garlic - As a paste, fresh or frozen.

Spices - Turmeric Powder, Cumin Powder, Coriander Powder, Red Chilli Powder, Garam Masala Powder.

Tomatoes - Use fresh tomatoes or pureed plum tomatoes.

Water and Salt

Coriander Leaves - Fresh, chopped leaves.

Dry Fenugreek - Also known as Kasuri Methi.

Tempering

Oil/Ghee.

Cumin Seeds.

Garlic cloves – finely sliced.

Dry red chilies – broken.

For Smoking

A small piece of charcoal.

How to make Dal Tadka

Soak the daal for one hour before you begin, then rinse in at least 2 changes of water till the water runs clear. 

Drain and place on the hob with water and oil. Bring to the boil and then simmer for up to an hour. You will need to check it often and keep topping with boiling water. I would check it every 15 minutes.

In a medium sized non stick pot, add the oil, ghee and onions.

Saute until the onions are golden brown (Around 10 - 15 minutes).

Stir, then add the garlic, ginger and green chillies. Cook for 2 minutes.

Add the tomatoes and cook over high heat for 4 - 5 minutes.

Stir in the cumin powder, coriander powder, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, dry fenugreek and salt.

Cook for 5 minutes over a low heat and add the daal in. If the daal is too thick, add half a cup of water. If it isn't smooth enough yet, blend using a stick blender. Turn the heat right down.

Add garam masala powder, coriander leaves and simmer for 2 minutes.

Optional  - Charcoal Smoking

Use tongs to hold a piece of coal over a high flame until it is red. This shouldn't take long. Around 30 seconds - 1 minute.

Place the red hot charcoal in a small steel bowl. You can also use onion layers or a halved hollow onion for the same.

Create a small bowl shape from aluminium foil. It needs to be sturdy. If you have a small steel bowl, use that instead.

Very quickly add the coal to the foil/bowl and add the bowl directly on top of the daal using the tongs. Add 1/4 tsp Ghee. Cover the daal with a tight fitting lid and allow the coal to infuse the daal for 1 - 2 minutes.

Tadka

In a small pan over high heat, add the ghee and cumin seeds. Heat for around 30 seconds.

As soon as they begin to pop add the garlic and chillies and turn the heat down to low. Cook for 1 minute.

Pour the flavoured oil over the daal.

Serving Suggestions

This Dal is perfect served with Jeera Rice, Chapatti or Naan. 

Expert Tips

1. To make ahead - You can make the dal ahead of time and srore in the fridge for 2 - 3 days or in the freezer for up to a month before using. Reheat before using.
2. Lentils - This recipe can be made with Split Red Lentils, Yellow dal/Split lentils and even with Mung.
3. Tomatoes - these are optional. You can add a squeeze of Lemon Juice at the end instead.
4. Tempering - This can be down in Oil or Ghee or a combination of the 2. Ghee adds great flavour so try and use it if possible.
5. Smoking - If you would prefer not to use the coal, you can add smoked paprika or smoked water.
6. Dal thickness - The Dal can be as thin or as thick as you like. Simply add more water for a thinner Dal.

Storage

Fridge - Dal Tadka can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for 5 days.

Freezer - It can also be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the microwave or on the hob.

More Indian Recipes:

Masoor Dal Tadka

Dry Masala Prawns Fry (Indian)

Air Fryer Whole Tandoori Roast Chicken

Okra Fries

Easy Boneless Chicken Curry

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