Tadka Dal

Chana tadka dal recipe is the perfect vegan Indian dish. Dal is a staple food in Indian cuisine and there are so many varieties of dal recipes. Tadka dal is a type of lentil curry recipe that is one of India’s most popular dishes.

Spices are fried separately in olive oil in the tadka before being added to the chana dal curry. This allows the spices to release new flavours giving this vegan curry a whole world of aromas and taste.

There as so many different types of dals out there that I sometimes am at a loss at which one to make. I love every single one of them. I mean, who doesn’t love dal? Actually, don’t answer that. I know there are many dal haters out there. Although this recipe is sure to convert your hatred.

This dal recipe is made with chana dal. In English chana dal is known as split Bengal gram. You could just call it split chickpeas, but as there are many different varieties of split chickpeas, I wanted to be more precise. Chana dal specifically refers to the skinned and split version of the whole brown chickpeas.

Like most lentils, chana dal is also one ingredient that is very healthy and nutritious. It is packed with protein, fibre, and a variety of minerals. If you’re a vegan or vegetarian, then lentils are definitely one of the best ways to get your intake of protein in.

However, this recipe is also perfect for meat-eaters as it will help provide so much more than simply protein. Definitely a healthy addition to any diet.

There are many different ways to cook chana dal and each desi household is guaranteed to have its own way to cook this simple, yet delicious recipe. In my recipe, the lentils are cooked until tender then simmers in a spicy onion tomato base.

This chana dal recipe needs only basic pantry staples, so there is no need for anyone to go running back and forth to the shops.

Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you like them don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.

• Chana Curry
• Rajma Masala
• Masoor Dal
• Aloo Sabzi
• Bhindi Masala

If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @cookwithnabeela in your recipe photos!

Tadka Dal

by Nabeela Kauser

A comforting warm food at the hearts of desis everywhere. Enjoy this lentil recipe with little effort, but with so much protein and flavour. Serve with rice or homemade chapatti for a healthy, hearty, and satisfying meal everytime.

5 from 5 votes

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Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 45 mins

Total Time 1 hr

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Indian

Servings 6

Calories 338 kcal

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Ingredients

Cooking Dal

• ▢ 300 g Lentils Split Bengal Gram
• ▢ 600 ml Water

Dal Masala

• ▢ 50 ml Oil
• ▢ 1 tsp Cumin Seeds Jeera
• ▢ 1 tsp Crushed Chillies
• ▢ 2 Bay Leaf
• ▢ 2 Onions
• ▢ 2 Tomatoes
• ▢ 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
• ▢ 1 tsp Chilli Powder
• ▢ 1 tsp Salt
• ▢ 1 tsp Garam Masala
• ▢ Coriander
• ▢ 300 ml Water

Tadka

• ▢ 50 g Butter Ghee
• ▢ 2 tsp Garlic Chopped
• ▢ 1 tsp Chilli Powder
• ▢ 1 tsp Cumin Seeds Jeera

Instructions

• In a large saucepan add the chana dal and the water then allow the water to come to a boil
• Once the water has come to a boil cover and leave to gently simmer on medium heat for 30 minutes until softened
• As the chana dal is cooking in another pan heat up the olive oil on medium heat until hot
• Add the cumin seeds, crushed chillies, bay leaves then sauté for a few minutes until fragrant
• Add the onions and cook for a few minutes until golden brown and soft
• Add the turmeric powder, chilli powder, garam masala and salt before cooking the spices for a few more minutes – add 2 tablespoons of water to help release the colours from the spices and prevent any burning
• Add the tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes until soft
• Once the dal has cooked add the softened dal along with the remaining water then cook for 10 minutes on medium heat
• When the desired consistency is reached remove the pan from the heat
• In a separate pan add the ghee and allow it to melt
• Add the chopped garlic, chilli powder and cumin seeds then sauté for a few minutes until fragrant
• Add the tadka to the dal – tadka can also be added upon serving if preferred
• Garnish with coriander then enjoy!

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 338kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 14gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 473mgPotassium: 678mgFiber: 17gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 922IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 5mg

Keyword Curry, Dal, Lentils, Spicy, Vegan, Vegetarian

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