Tadka Wali Moong Dal

Ingredients

• 1 cup yellow split moong dal (Rinse thoroughly; split mung beans are also called moong dal.)
• 4 cup water (Use more or less as needed for the desired consistency.)
• 0.5 tsp turmeric powder
• 0.5 tsp red chili powder (Adjust to taste.)
• salt (To taste.)
• 2 tbsp ghee (Oil may be substituted.)
• 1 onion (Finely sliced or chopped.)
• 4 cloves garlic (Thinly sliced or minced.)
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 2 dried red chilies (Broken into pieces; use fewer for a milder dal.)
• 1 green chili (Sliced, optional.)
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro (Chopped, for garnish.)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (Optional finishing ingredient.)

Steps

1. 1

   Rinse the moong dal under cool running water until the water runs mostly clear. Drain well.

2. 2

   Place the rinsed dal in a heavy saucepan with the water, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Stir to combine.

3. 3

   Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Partially cover and simmer for about 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the dal is completely tender and begins to break down.

4. 4

   If the dal becomes thicker than desired, stir in a little hot water. Taste and adjust the salt and chili seasoning.

5. 5

   Heat the ghee in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for several seconds until fragrant.

6. 6

   Add the dried red chilies and sliced garlic to the hot ghee. Fry briefly until the garlic is lightly golden and aromatic; do not let it burn.

7. 7

   Add the onion and green chili to the tempering. Sauté for several minutes, stirring often, until the onion is golden and softened.

8. 8

   Pour the hot tempering over the cooked dal. Stir gently so the seasoned ghee and aromatics are distributed throughout.

9. 9

   Garnish with chopped cilantro and, if desired, lemon juice. Serve immediately with rice, roti, or naan.

Notes

The exact ingredient quantities and method were not visible in the supplied page description or transcript; this is a traditional reconstruction based on the dish title. Adjust the final water quantity to achieve a pourable dal consistency.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• vegetarian
• vegan-option
• gluten-free
• South Asian
• stovetop
• comfort food
• lentils