• Recipes
    • Dinners
    • Lunches + lights
    • Breakfasts & Brunch
    • Desserts
    • Snacks
    • Staples
    • Drinks
    • Party
    • Sides
  • Join our team
  • Contact
  • Cookbooks
  • SO VEGAN App
  • Blog
Popular Recipes
Cauliflower Schnitzel
Turmeric Latte
Sweet + Sticky Brussels Sprouts Noodles
Roast Potato Swirl
Harissa Aubergine + Pisto Traybake
Charred Broccoli Caesar Salad
Creamy Cauliflower Linguine
Miso Chocolate Chip Cookies
7 Yummy Toddler-Friendly Vegan Breakfasts
Vietnamese Style Mushroom Noodle Salad
SO VEGAN
  • Recipes
    • Dinners
    • Lunches + lights
    • Breakfasts & Brunch
    • Desserts
    • Snacks
    • Staples
    • Drinks
    • Party
    • Sides
  • Join our team
  • Contact
  • Cookbooks
  • SO VEGAN App
  • Blog
DinnersLunches + lights

Tarka Dhal

by frankie January 24, 2022January 31, 2023
January 24, 2022January 31, 2023
Vegan Tarkha Dhal Recipe

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.
Vegan Tarkha Dhal Recipe

Tarka Dhal

Serves: 4 people Prep Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 25 minutes 25 minutes
Nutrition facts: 200 calories 20 grams fat

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)

Method

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Stir, then bring to the boil. Next, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook with the lid on for 15 minutes.
  4. Remove the lid, reduce the heat and leave to cook on a low heat for the next few minutes while you make the tarka.
  5. 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.
  6. Meanwhile, trim a tiny bit off the ends of the chillies to allow the heat to escape into the dhal.
  7. Next add the chillies to the oil along with the cumin seeds, fennel seeds, mustard seeds and ginger and fry for 1-2 minutes.
  8. 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).
Did You Make This Recipe?
Don't forget to share your SO VEGAN creations on Instagram and tag us at @SOVEGAN!
National Curry WeekSO VEGAN classicsWatch videos
14 Comments
9
FacebookTwitterGoogle +Pinterest
Previous post
Black Pepper Tofu
Next post
Sweet Potato Patties

You may also like

Cauliflower Schnitzel

February 7, 2023

Sweet + Sticky Brussels Sprouts Noodles

December 12, 2022

Harissa Aubergine + Pisto Traybake

October 12, 2022

Charred Broccoli Caesar Salad

September 27, 2022

Creamy Cauliflower Linguine

September 21, 2022

Vietnamese Style Mushroom Noodle Salad

September 5, 2022

Vegan ‘Nduja Pasta

August 30, 2022

Tofu Katsu Sandwich

August 17, 2022

Fiesta Pasta Salad

August 10, 2022

Whipped Feta With Beets + Green Beans

July 27, 2022

14 Comments

Portsea67 February 2, 2022 - 7:18 pm

Following this recipe resulted in the best Tarka Dhal I’ve ever made. Thanks SV!

Reply
Ben, So Vegan June 27, 2022 - 2:22 pm

Amazing!

Reply
CC February 6, 2022 - 3:47 am

Made this so delicious and healthy thank you

Reply
Anonymous February 8, 2022 - 5:42 pm

Absolutely delicious – you guys know sure what you’re doing! Thank you!

Reply
Anonymous February 9, 2022 - 12:33 pm

Really lovely mmm mm

Reply
CenturyFoods February 10, 2022 - 8:17 am

Thanks For Your Wonderful Recipes. Wish to see more in the coming days.

Reply
Ben, So Vegan June 27, 2022 - 2:22 pm

Thank you!

Reply
Marco February 12, 2022 - 5:42 pm

Does rinsed lentals also mean that they are soaked over night? Would love to try it:)

Reply
Ben, So Vegan June 27, 2022 - 2:21 pm

Nope, simply rinse them under cold water for 10-15 seconds to remove any dust or dirt.

Reply
Anonymous May 15, 2022 - 9:03 pm

Could I substitute fennel for something else? I don’t have any atm

Reply
Ben, So Vegan June 27, 2022 - 2:21 pm

You can simply leave the fennel out 🙂

Reply
Kelsie June 29, 2022 - 9:53 pm

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?

Reply
Anonymous July 29, 2022 - 9:53 pm

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.

Reply
Zaozoska September 11, 2022 - 8:06 pm

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 😉

Reply

Leave a comment Cancel reply

About us

About us

Hello! We're Roxy & Ben. We created SO VEGAN in 2016 to make it easy for everyone to eat more delicious plants so people and the planet can thrive, and since then our videos have been seen by hundreds of millions of people all over the world. It's amazing to see so many people enjoying our plant-based creations, and this is only the beginning!

The SO VEGAN App

The SO VEGAN App

Download our app today and start your 7-day free trial to discover over 350 fuss-free and flavoursome recipes! Find out more

ONE POT VEGAN

ONE POT VEGAN

Have you heard about our cookbook ONE POT VEGAN? It's packed with 80 simple and tasty recipes all cooked in one-pot, one-pan or one-tray and we think you’ll love it! Find out more

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to get your hands on a copy of our Fan Favourites eBook and more goodies!

Popular Posts

  • 1

    Cauliflower Schnitzel

    February 7, 2023
  • 2

    Raw Apricot + Ginger Energy Bars

    August 15, 2019
  • 3

    How To Make A Classic Falafel Wrap

    August 28, 2019
  • 4

    Homemade Pea Milk

    May 19, 2020
  • 5

    Ultimate Vegan Chilli

    January 4, 2021

Tweets

We're feeling very proud to be featured in the @FlutterDev showcase, which includes some of the best cross-platfro… https://t.co/D1l5XgG8P3

15-Nov-2022

Reply Retweet Favourite
New baklava recipe dropping very soon. Keep those eyes peeled 👀 https://t.co/YDQNb2dbQV

05-Apr-2022

Reply Retweet Favourite
We're slightly too obsessed with sweet potato. Here we put them to work with bulgur, chickpeas and spices to create… https://t.co/6U38ImfOLd

03-Feb-2022

Reply Retweet Favourite
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Youtube

© 2022 SO VEGAN - Terms - Contact