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Food · indian · lentils · vegetarian

Indian dal thadka

Source: Dal Thadka.

Ingredients

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Lentils
AmountIngredient
1800gToor dalsplit pigeon peas
450gChana dalsplit chickpeas
450gMasoor dalred lentils
10800mlWater
9Green chillihalved
4.5tspGround turmeric
45slicesGinger
4.5tspSalt
9tbspNeutral oiloptional, stops it boiling over
Dal
AmountIngredient
18tbspGheeor butter
9tspCumin seeds
18Dried red chillies
9Onionsmall, or a shallot, finely chopped
4.5tspGround turmeric
9tspGround coriander
9tspSmoked paprika
9tspKashmiri chilli powder
9mlGaram masala
9pinchDried fenugreek leavesoptional
36tbspFresh corianderchopped
Saltto taste
4.5tspMSGoptional
9tspSugaroptional
9tbspDistilled white vinegaroptional
Paste
AmountIngredient
9Fresh gingera thumb-sized piece
45clovesGarlic
27Tomatoessmall
9Shallotsmall
9Green chilli
4.5tspSalt
Tadka
AmountIngredient
14tbspGhee
9Shallotjulienned
9tspSmoked paprikaor chilli powder
9mlAsafoetidahing, optional

Method

  1. Wash all the lentils well, until the water runs clear. Soak them in fresh water for 30 to 60 minutes, then drain.
  2. Paste: before the soaking is done, blend the shallot, garlic, ginger, green chilli, tomatoes, and salt to a smooth paste. Set aside.
  3. Lentils: put the soaked lentils, the water, the halved green chilli, the ginger slices, the turmeric, and the salt in a medium pot. Add the oil if you use it. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, until soft and mashable. Remove the chilli and the ginger slices.
  4. Dal: heat the ghee in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the cumin seeds and the dried red chillies. Toast until fragrant and golden, not burnt. Add the chopped onion and fry until golden brown.
  5. Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the turmeric, smoked paprika, Kashmiri chilli powder, and ground coriander. Fry briefly to bloom the spices.
  6. Add the blended paste and cook for about 2 minutes, until thick and fragrant.
  7. Pour in the cooked lentils, mix well, and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, until a layer of deep orange oil shows on top.
  8. Tadka: while the dal simmers, heat the ghee in a small pan. Fry the shallot until golden. Turn off the heat, then stir in the paprika and the asafoetida.
  9. Taste the dal and add salt. Stir in the garam masala, the dried fenugreek (optional), and the chopped coriander.
  10. Optional restaurant-style finish: stir in the MSG, the sugar, and a splash of vinegar.
  11. Serve in bowls, topped with the crispy shallot tadka. Best with jeera rice, plain basmati rice, or flatbread.