515: Dhaba Style Dal Tadka / Tadka Dal

Dhaba Style Dal Tadka

Dal Tadka is a Dhaba Staple, found easily at any Dhaba. The way they make dal Tadka in road side dabbas are always awesome.  I don’t like the regular pressure cooker with turmeric and salt only yellow dal. I want mine to have bold flavors, some Tadka (tempering), some masala and only then I’m satisfied. Like this one. The secret of Dhaba dal fry is butter and Cream. Dal Tadka or dal fry with Jeera Pulao is one of my favorite meals.

Preparation Time    15 Minutes

Cook Time                20 Minutes

Cuisine                       North Indian

Serves                        4 Nos.

Ingredient:

Masoor Dal (Whole Red Lentils)     ¼ Cup

Toor Dal / Split Pigeon Pea's-         1 Cup      

Water                                          2 cups

Turmeric Powder                          ½ Teaspoon

Finely chopped Ginger                   1 Tablespoon

Finely Chopped Tomatoes               2 Nos.

Chopped Coriander Leaves             1 Tablespoon

Salt                                             To Taste

Masalas

Red chili Powder                           2 Teaspoon

Hing Powder                                1/2 Teaspoon

Gram Masala Powder                     ½ Teaspoon

For Tadka/ Tempering

Oil/ Butter                                    2 Tablespoon

Cumin Seeds                                1 Teaspoon                            

For Decorative

 Cream                                         2 Tablespoon

Butter                                           1 Teaspoon

Chopped Coriander                         1 Tablespoon  

Method:

Cook The Dal

• Wash the dal and soak it in 2  cups water for about 15 to 20 minutes.
• In a pressure Cooker add all the Dals, Salt, Turmeric, ghee and Hing, Water and Pressure cook for about 4 Whistles.

Make a Masala

• In a large wok or pan, heat the oil. Once the oil is hot, add cumin seeds and stir until the e cumin seeds are golden. Make sure that the cumin seeds don’t turn black.
• Now add the finely chopped ginger and fry for a minute. Now add finely chopped tomatoes. turn down the heat.
• Add, red chili powder and  Gram Masala powder , cook until the tomato puree absorbs all the flavors from the spices, about 7 to 8 minutes.
• Now add the Dal and Water to the Masala. Mix Well.
• Stir in the cooked dal, add the salt and extra water if required and mix well.
• Cover with Lid and cook for 3 minutes.
• Switch off the stove and transfer the dal to the Serving Bowl.
• Add the Butter ,Cream and chopped coriander to the top of the dal.
• Serve hot with Jeera Pulao , Rice or Roti

Note:

• You can use a variety of dals like Masoor dal, urad dal or Chenna dal, either in combination or individually. Adjust the consistency of the water according to taste.
• Use fresh spices for more flavor.
• Adjust Salt as per your taste. If you use salted butter you would need less salt.