Dal Tadka Recipe – Flavored With Lemon And Coriander
Dal Tadka is a quintessential North Indian dish that beautifully combines the comforting flavors of yellow moong dal with a vibrant tempering, creating a meal that is both nutritious and delicious. This version is enhanced with the refreshing notes of lemon and coriander, making it perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner. Pair it with rice or Indian flatbreads for a complete experience.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Yellow Moong Dal | 1 cup |
| Butter | 1 tbsp |
| Ghee | 1 tsp |
| Ginger (grated) | 1 inch |
| Cumin Seeds | 1/4 tsp |
| Turmeric Powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Bay Leaf | 1 (broken) |
| Green Chillies | 2 (slit and thinly sliced) |
| Fresh Coriander | 4 sprigs (finely chopped) |
| Lemon Juice | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Water | 2 1/2 cups |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 220 |
| Protein | Approx. 12g |
| Carbohydrates | Approx. 35g |
| Fat | Approx. 6g |
| Fiber | Approx. 4g |
Preparation Time
| Time | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
Servings
| Servings | 3 servings |
Instructions
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Cook the Dal: In a large pot, combine the yellow moong dal with 2 1/2 cups of water, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook until the dal becomes soft, which usually takes about 20–25 minutes. If using a pressure cooker, cook until three whistles have sounded, then turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally.
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Prepare the Tempering: In a separate pan, heat the ghee over medium heat. Once the ghee is hot, add the cumin seeds and let them splutter.
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Add Aromatics: To the sizzling cumin, add the grated ginger, slit green chillies, and the broken bay leaf. Sauté for about 30 seconds, allowing the flavors to infuse into the oil.
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Combine and Simmer: Pour the prepared tempering into the cooked dal and stir well to combine. Bring the dal to a gentle boil.
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Finish with Butter: After the dal reaches a boil, add the butter and stir until melted. Let it simmer for an additional 3–4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, then stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice and chopped coriander. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
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Serving Suggestion: Serve your warm Dal Tadka alongside Paneer Butter Masala, Gourd Raita, cumin rice, and soft phulkas for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Final Thoughts
Dal Tadka is not just a dish; it is a celebration of flavors that warms the heart and nourishes the body. The infusion of lemon and coriander adds a delightful zing that elevates this simple lentil dish into a memorable culinary experience. Enjoy this delightful recipe, and feel free to customize it with your favorite spices and herbs!
This Dal Tadka recipe not only fulfills dietary needs, being high in protein and vegetarian, but also brings a taste of North Indian home cooking to your table, perfect for any occasion!
