Toor Dal Tadka
A light, flavorful lentil curry perfect for everyday meals and meal prepping. This classic Indian dish features soft-cooked pigeon peas tempered with aromatic spices in mustard oil, creating a comforting and nutritious meal that's ready in minutes.
For 4 servings
Cook the dal.
In a pressure cooker, combine the rinsed toor dal, 2 cups of water, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook for 3-4 whistles on medium heat, or until the dal is completely soft and mushy. Let the pressure release naturally.
TIPWhisk the dal lightly after cooking to ensure a smooth, consistent texture.Prepare the tempering (tadka).
- Heat mustard oil in a small pan or tadka pan over medium heat.
- Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Wait for them to splutter.
- Add the asafoetida and broken dried red chili. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
TIPDon't let the spices burn. The whole tempering process should be quick, under 2 minutes.Sauté the aromatics.
- Add the finely chopped onion to the pan and sauté until translucent.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until the raw smell is gone.
- Stir in the chopped tomato and red chili powder. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and oil begins to separate from the masala.
Combine the dal and tadka.
Pour the prepared tempering over the cooked dal in the pressure cooker. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
Simmer and finish.
Bring the dal to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If the dal is too thick, add a little hot water to reach your desired consistency. Stir in the garam masala.
Garnish and serve.
Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot with rice or roti.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a creamier texture, whisk the dal vigorously after pressure cooking before adding the tadka.
- 2Soaking the dal for at least 15 minutes helps it cook faster and more evenly.
- 3To store for meal prep, let the dal cool completely, then portion into airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- 4When reheating, you may need to add a splash of water as the dal will thicken upon cooling.
- 5A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can brighten up the flavors.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Toor Dal Tadka is very healthy. It's a great source of plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and essential minerals. This low-calorie version is especially good for weight management and balanced meals.
