Sunday, 20 January 2013

Tarka Dal

bowl of tarka dal
©
This simple tarka dal/dhal recipe is really cheap to make and tastes great as a side dish. Double the recipe for a main meal.

Serves 4
  • ½ cup dried red lentils
  • 1 small onion, diced finely
  • ½ tsp cumin seeds/powder
  • ½ red chilli, de-seeded and chopped finely, optional 
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • 2 heaped tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 2-4 cloves of garlic, crushed or finely sliced
  • 1 heaped tsp garam masala
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp tomato purée
Place the lentils in a pan with 1½ cups boiling water. 
Bring to the boil and simmer for 20 minutes or until tender, adding a little more water if needed.

In another pan make the tarka by heating 1 tbsp vegetable oil. 
Fry the cumin and onion until golden.
Add the remaining ingredients (except the garam masala) and cook for 2-3 minutes on a low heat.

Add the cooked dal to the tarka and stir in the garam masala. Season to taste.
Cook on a low heat for a further 5 minutes, adding a little more water if needed.

Serve with rice/chapattis and a vegetable curry.

Alternatives: Try using different pulses or a combination of lentils and adjust the cooking time as necessary.

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7 comments:

  1. This looks yummy!
    I'll try it this week :-)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love dal. My favourite one has coconut milk and spinach. I really fancy trying this one. lovely spices :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ooh, coconut milk sound like a good addition.

      Delete
  3. Looks like spicy isn't it? Me likey.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Only just discovered your blog, and made this for dinner tonight. It was LOVELY!! Thanks :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for that Claire...glad you enjoyed it.

      Delete

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