Dal Tadka

Indian food is incredibly diverse but every region has some sort of dal. This dal tadka features chana dal (split chickpeas) mixed with a spicy tomato gravy and a tadka or chhonk, which is a tempering of spices that may change the way you layer flavor in all your food. This comforting dish is best served with basmati rice.

Dal Tadka

Course

Main
Prep time

15 Mins
cook time

30 Mins
servings

4
Author

@upbeetanisha

Ingredients

1 cup Lotus Foods Regenerative Organic Brown Basmati Rice
1 cup chana dal
2½ - 3 cups water
½ tsp turmeric
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp avocado oil (or any neutral oil)
1 inch ginger, minced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 green chilis, chopped
½ red onion, chopped
½ tsp garam masala
¼ tsp red chili powder
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
2 tbsp vegan butter
1 tsp cumin seeds
2 dry red chilis
½ tsp kashmiri lal or ¼ tsp red chili powder (or omit)
pinch hing asafetida (optional)
lemon juice & cilantro to serve

product used in the recipe

Regenerative Organic Brown Basmati Rice

1

Cook rice according to directions on package.
2

Meanwhile, in an electric pressure cooker like an Instant Pot, cook the chana dal, water, turmeric and salt on high for 15 mins. Allow for a natural pressure release. In a regular pressure cooker, it should take 8-10 whistles over a high flame. If you pre-soak the chana dal, you can pressure cook for less time.
3

Heat oil in a pan over a medium heat. Add ginger, garlic, and green chilis. Cook until garlic starts to brown (~2 mins). Add onion and cook until translucent and browned (~4-5 mins).
4

Add garam masala and red chili powder. Stir for 30 seconds.
5

Add tomatoes and increase heat to medium high. Cook until tomato juices have evaporated, and the tomatoes adhere together. Add everything in the pan to the dal.
6

For the tadka/chhonk, heat vegan butter in a pan over medium heat (or medium-high heat for best results. Make sure not to burn the spices!). Then add cumin seeds, dry red chilis, kashmiri lal, and hing. This is called tempering your spices and the process goes by very quickly (within a minute). Immediately add the tadka/chhonk to your dal. Adjust for salt if needed.
7

Serve with lemon juice, cilantro, and rice.