By Rajlakshmi
November 5, 2025
Dal tadka is a famous Indian lentil dish that is packed with spices and is a comfort food for many. A tempered spiced oil known as ‘tadka’ is poured on top of the cooked lentils. Enjoy restaurant-style dal takda with this simple recipe!
1 cup of moong dal 1 large onion, chopped 2 tomatoes, chopped 6-8 garlic cloves Corainder leaves, as required ¼ tablespoon of turmeric powder ½ teaspoon of chilli powder ¼ teaspoon of mustard seeds ¼ teaspoon of cumin seeds 2 dried red chillies ¼ teaspoon of lemon juice ½ teaspoon of garam masala 2 tablespoons of ghee
In a pressure cooker, add the moong dal, turmeric powder, salt and water. Pressure cook it for 4 whistles. Let it cook for 5 minutes.
Crush the garlic cloves, and put the spices in one small bowl. Set it aside.
Heat oil in a pan. Add the cumin seeds, mustard seeds and coriander leaves. Add the onions. Sauté for a few minutes.
Add the garlic, chillies and the spices. Put in the tomatoes. Cook it for 6-7 minutes.
Add the red chillies, red chilli powder and garam masala. Stir the spices for 30 seconds.
Add cooked dal to the pan. Mix it well. In another small pan, temper ghee, dried red chilli and garlic cloves. Pour tadka over dal and serve.