Making this mixed Dal Fry Tadka is easy, and the recipe comes together quickly. It is a simple but creamy and delicious dish that goes perfectly well with steamed rice, Jeera Rice, Naan, Roti, or Paratha. Jump to:About Dal Fry TadkaWhy You Will Love This DalIngredientsHow To Make Dal Fry Tadka Step-by-Step Serving SuggestionsSuitable For Special DietsHelpful TipsMore Dal RecipesRecipe Card
About Dal Fry Tadka
Different kinds of dals (lentils and pulses) are very popular in India. There are plenty of recipes to make dal. In India, most people eat cooked dal at least once a day. And each family has its own recipe. Being vegetarians, we are often asked about our protein intake. The best way to get protein is to have lentils and beans as part of the meal. Dal fry is one of the popular dal recipes. It is made with either just one lentil or more. Here, I have used five different lentils (dals). These are my favorite five, but any other lentil of choice can be used. Mixed Dal Fry Tadka is very easy to make. We do not need much preparation. Soaking the dal for 30 minutes to an hour is enough. Sometimes, after a busy day, this recipe comes together easily. Just make rice or Paratha with it, and a complete meal is ready. It is easy to cook dal in a pressure cooker. Just cook it for 1-2 whistles, dal should not be mushy. You can cook it in a pot with enough water if you want. Cover the pot and check for doneness in between. This mixed dal fry is just like restaurant style. Make it for guests or just cook it on busy evenings. Feel free to add more spices of your choice if you like. Otherwise, this recipe is just delish. It is medium spicy with lots of flavors from other spices.
Ingredients
How To Make Dal Fry Tadka Step-by-Step
Preparations
Rinse all the lentils with water a few times or until the water runs clear. Then, soak them together for at least 30 minutes to one hour.
Cooking The Lentils
Drain the water from the soaked lentils and transfer them into a pressure cooker. Add 2½ cups of water, salt, ghee (or oil), and turmeric powder and stir well.
Cook the lentils in a pressure cooker for two whistles or until they are thoroughly cooked. However, do not overcook; the dal should not be mushy. Switch off the heat and set the cooker aside. Once the cooker depressurizes naturally, open the lid. If you want the dal to have a smooth consistency, mash it with the back of a spoon. Alternatively, you can leave it as it is, as I have done.
Making The Dal Fry
Heat ghee or oil in a pan and add mustard seeds. Once they start to crackle, add asafoetida, green chilis, and ginger. Mix and saute for a few seconds.
Add chopped tomatoes, mix well, and cook them until they are soft and pulpy. Then, add turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. Stir well and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes; the fat will separate from the sides.
Next, add cooked dal, mix well, and add some water to adjust the desired consistency. Continue cooking the dal fry for 8-10 minutes on low-medium heat, stirring frequently.
Add Kasoori methi and chopped coriander leaves, and squeeze lemon juice to taste. Mix well, taste, and add salt as required.
Tempering The Dal Fry Tadka
For the dal tadka, heat 1 tablespoon ghee (or 1 teaspoon oil for a vegan diet) in a small pan. Add Kashmiri red chili powder, mix, and pour this tadka immediately over the dal fry.
Mix lightly, turn off the heat, and transfer the Dal Fry Tadka to a serving bowl.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the dal with plain rice or Jeera Rice for a comforting and light meal. Serve Dal Fry Tadka with your choice of Indian flatbread. We like to have this dal with Roti or Naan. If you want to serve this lentil preparation as a soup, add more water to thin out the consistency and adjust the seasonings accordingly. Also, for a larger meal, you can have this Dal as a side dish with vegetable curry or Paneer Curry of your choice.
Suitable For Special Diets
No Onion No Garlic: As you know, all of my recipes do not include onion or garlic; hence, this dal does not contain them. However, it is full of flavors and very delicious. So whether you consume onion and garlic or not, this dal is a must-try recipe. Vegan Recipe: This Dal Fry Tadka is power-packed with plant-based protein and other nutrients. Use oil in the recipe instead of Ghee to make it vegan. Jain Recipe: This dal is a no-onion, no-garlic recipe and is perfect for the Jain diet. I have used fresh ginger in the recipe, but you can skip the ginger to make it a strict Jain food. And if you wish, you can use a pinch of dried ginger powder instead.
