Tarka Dhal Recipe

This is the most popular Indian lentil dishes and is found today in most Indian restaurants.

Ingredients

  • ground turmeric - ¼ tsp
  • fresh green chilies - 2, chopped
  • masoor dhal - 115g/4 oz/¼ cup
  • moong dhal - 50g/2 oz/¼ cup
  • garlic pulp - 1 tsp
  • ginger pulp - 1 tsp
  • salt - 1½ tsp
  • water - 600ml/1 pint/2½ cups

For the tarka

  • dried red chilies - 4
  • onion seeds and mixed mustard - ¼ tsp
  • tomato - 1, sliced
  • onion - 1, sliced
  • oil - 2 tbdp

For the garnish

  • fresh mint - 1 tbsp, chopped
  • fresh green chilies - 1-2, seeded and sliced
  • fresh coriander - 1 tbsp, chopped

Method

  • Boil the masoor dhal and moong dhal in the water with turmeric, garlic and ginger pulp, green chilies for 15-20 minutes.
  • Mash the dhal mixture with a fork until the consistency of a creamy soup.
  • Add a little water if the mixture is too dry. Season with salt.
  • Make the tarka. Heat the oil in a pan and fry the tomato, onion with the onion seeds and mixed mustard, and dried red chilies for 2 minutes.
  • Then pour  the tarka over the mashed dhal and garnish with mint, green chilies, and coriander. Serves 4.

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