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INDIAN YELLOW LENTIL DAL – MILDLY SPICED TADKA DAL FOR BEGINNERS

By Delicious Recipes!Posted on
INDIAN YELLOW LENTIL DAL – MILDLY SPICED TADKA DAL FOR BEGINNERS

INDIAN YELLOW LENTIL DAL – MILDLY SPICED TADKA DAL FOR BEGINNERS

This tadkewali (tadka) yellow lentil dal is gently spiced compared to many traditional Indian recipes, making it perfect for beginners intimidated by complex spice blends. It’s hearty, nourishing, and especially delicious served with whole wheat Indian bread like chapati.

🕒 Prep Time: 10 min

🍳 Cook Time: 30 min
🍽️ Servings: 3

Ingredients

  • 250 g yellow lentils (moong dal or toor dal)
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
  • 2 canned tomatoes, crushed
  • 20 g fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp chili flakes
  • Pinch of ground cloves
  • 4 tbsp oil
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse lentils thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear and is no longer milky.
  2. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pot. Sauté chopped onion over medium heat until softened (about 5 minutes).
  3. Add crushed garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Stir in turmeric and crushed tomatoes; cook for 2-3 minutes to deepen the flavor.
  5. Add lentils and 750 ml water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and simmer for about 20 minutes until lentils are tender.
  6. Blend half of the cooked lentils in a blender until smooth, then return to the pot to thicken the dal. Add water if needed to achieve desired consistency (dal thickens more upon cooling).
  7. In a small pan, heat remaining 2 tbsp oil. Sauté grated ginger for 1 minute.
  8. Add cumin, chili flakes, and ground cloves; cook for 30 seconds to release aroma.
  9. Pour this tadka (tempering) over the dal and simmer together for 2-3 minutes. Season with salt to taste.
  10. Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or coriander.
  11. Serve hot with chapati or your preferred Indian bread.

💡 Tips

  • Thorough rinsing of lentils improves texture and removes excess starch.
  • Partial blending helps create a creamy, thick dal without pureeing the entire dish.
  • Adjust chili flakes to taste for milder or spicier dal.
  • Tadka adds a fragrant finishing touch—don’t skip it!

🍽️ Perfect For

  • Indian cuisine beginners
  • Comforting vegetarian meals
  • Wholesome, filling lunches or dinners

📝 Final Thoughts

This mild yellow lentil dal is a fantastic introduction to Indian cooking, balancing simple spices with hearty lentils for a satisfying, easy-to-make dish. Pair with chapati or rice for a wholesome meal.