By Garima Johar
April 11, 2026
Moong dal is a staple dinner option in most North Indian households. If you want to prepare a protein-rich meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen, here’s a dhaba-style recipe of moong dal tadka.
1 cup yellow moong dal 3 cups water 1 onion 1 tomato 1-2 green chillies 1 inch of ginger 2-3 cloves garlic 1/2 tsp turmeric powder 1/2 tsp red chilli powder 1/2 tsp coriander powder 1/4 tsp garam masala 1/2 tsp cumin seeds Pinch of hing 2 tbsp ghee Salt to taste Chopped coriander for garnish
Rinse moong dal, transfer to a pressure cooker, add water, and cook for 2-3 whistles.
Heat some oil and add jeera and hing. Add ginger, garlic, onion, and green chillies and saute.
Mix in chopped tomato and cook till soft. Add all the spices, and your tadka will be ready.
Gently mash the cooked dal and pour the tadka into it. Add salt and simmer for five minutes.
Garnish with chopped coriander and serve with rice or roti.