Tarka is the name given to the infused hot oil which is poured over the dhal giving this classic Indian dish its incredible aroma. We like to serve our dhal with Indian bread, such as naan or roti. However you can also serve this dish with rice for a more filling meal.
This recipe is perfect for batch cooking. Simply freeze or refrigerate the dhal in air-tight containers.
We love to serve our dhal with vegan naans or roti.
Tarka Dhal
Serves:4 peoplePrep Time:Cooking Time:
Nutrition facts:200 calories20 grams fat
Rating: 4.0/5
( 4 voted )
Ingredients
vegetable oil
1 onion, peeled + finely chopped
320g (11.3oz) red lentils, rinsed
2 tsp turmeric
2 tsp ground coriander
salt + pepper
8 garlic cloves, peeled + sliced
8 green chillies
2 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp fennel seeds
2 tsp black mustard seeds
1 thumb of fresh ginger, peeled + chopped
1 small handful of fresh coriander (optional)
cooked rice or Indian bread, to serve (optional)
Instructions
Heat a little oil in a big pot on a medium heat. Once hot add the onion and fry for 8 minutes or until soft.
Next, add the rinsed red lentils to the pot along with 1.5 litres (50fl.oz) of water, the turmeric, coriander and 1 teaspoon of salt.
Stir, then bring to the boil. Next, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook with the lid on for 15 minutes.
Remove the lid, reduce the heat and leave to cook on a low heat for the next few minutes while you make the tarka.
Heat 6 tablespoons of oil in a frying pan on a medium-high heat. Once hot, add the garlic and fry for 1-2 minutes.
Meanwhile, trim a tiny bit off the ends of the chillies to allow the heat to escape into the dhal.
Next add the chillies to the oil along with the cumin seeds, fennel seeds, mustard seeds and ginger and fry for 1-2 minutes.
Working quickly, add the oil mixture to the pot with the lentils. Stir to combine then simmer for 5 minutes or longer if you prefer your dhal to be a thicker consistency. Serve with chopped fresh coriander (optional).
Seeing this video, and the ease with how the dish was made- i was sold to try it.
Followed all the steps as written and then…i misread 2tsp for 2tbs for turmeric and coriander. Realised in the end the mishap.
Dhal was so earthy and bitter the first day…but the next day – after 12 hours in the fridge, the bitterness and earthiness has dissappeared and this became a flavourful fantastic dish!
Made this and it turned out really tasty! Very easy to make and though I didn’t have the blk mustard seeds, I used ground mustard. I also used cayenne pepper cause didn’t have the chilies. I don’t like it very hot anyway.
19 Comments
Following this recipe resulted in the best Tarka Dhal I’ve ever made. Thanks SV!
Amazing!
Made this so delicious and healthy thank you
Absolutely delicious – you guys know sure what you’re doing! Thank you!
Really lovely mmm mm
Thanks For Your Wonderful Recipes. Wish to see more in the coming days.
Thank you!
Does rinsed lentals also mean that they are soaked over night? Would love to try it:)
Nope, simply rinse them under cold water for 10-15 seconds to remove any dust or dirt.
Could I substitute fennel for something else? I don’t have any atm
You can simply leave the fennel out 🙂
I can’t eat onion and garlic. BUT I CAN use garlic infused olive oil. Would this still taste good with the garlic and onion omitted?
Ms. Kelsie:
There are some Indian religious traditions that forgo garlic and onions. If garlic oil is safe for you, I don’t see why not.
Hello!
Seeing this video, and the ease with how the dish was made- i was sold to try it.
Followed all the steps as written and then…i misread 2tsp for 2tbs for turmeric and coriander. Realised in the end the mishap.
Dhal was so earthy and bitter the first day…but the next day – after 12 hours in the fridge, the bitterness and earthiness has dissappeared and this became a flavourful fantastic dish!
Thank you- this is the recipe Im sticking to 😉
My boyfriend and I absolutely love this recipe- it’s delicious and our favourite dinner, one we always go back to. Thank you so, so much!
Love, love love this recipe!!! ❤️
This is the recipe I could swear by. Even after many times, It’s always surprisingly delicious❤️
I love this recipe. I’ve never made anything like it before but it is delicious especially with some home made naan!
Made this and it turned out really tasty! Very easy to make and though I didn’t have the blk mustard seeds, I used ground mustard. I also used cayenne pepper cause didn’t have the chilies. I don’t like it very hot anyway.