Tadka dal (Dal fry)

Tadka dal (Dal fry)
Indian meal is incomplete without dal (lentils). Dal tadka is the most common and frequently cooked dish in our kitchens. Although everyone has recipe for dal fry but each one is unique and have different taste. I’m using three different dals for dal fry. You can use any combination of dals. Dals are good source of protein. Great for kids nutrition too.

Ingredients:
For Tadka dal: [for 6 servings]
Toovar dal (split yellow pigeon peas) – ½ cup
Moong dal (split yellow moong beans) – ½ cup
Chana dal (split yellow garbanzo beans) – ½ cup
Tomato – 1 finely chopped
Turmeric powder -1/2 tsp
Salt as per taste

For Tadka (Frying the dal)
Cumin seeds -1 tsp
Mustard seeds- 1 tsp
Asafoetida powder -1/2 tsp
Onion -1 (medium) finely chopped
Ginger – 1 tbsp finely chopped
Garlic – 1 tbsp finely chopped
Green chili -1 tsp (finely chopped) [Optional]Red chili powder – 1 tsp
Garam masala powder – ½ tsp
Cooking oil – 1 tbsp
Butter/Ghee -1tbsp
Cilantro – 2 tbsp finely chopped (for garnish)
Lime juice – 1 tsp

Method:

• Wash toovar dal, moong dal and chana dal and soak them for 30 minutes.
• Add soaked dals, turmeric powder, salt, tomatoes and 3 cups of water in the pressure cooker till it’s done.
• For tadka, heat oil and butter in a frying pan. Add cumin seeds, mustard seeds and asafoetida. Let it crackle. Then add chopped onions and sauté it, till turns light golden. Add ginger, garlic and chopped green chilies (optional). Cook for 2 minutes.
• Add red chili powder and garam masala powder to the tadka and immediately pour it over the cooked dal.

Garnish:
Garnish the tadka dal with freshly chopped cilantro and some lime juice.

Enjoy with fresh naan, paratha or steamed basmati rice.