Friday, February 1, 2013

Simple Dal Tadka

When I have lot of chores to do on a weekend, I opt for this quickly done Dal Tadka. Paired with some spicy oven roasted vegetables (cauliflower/bitter gourd/tindora/potatoes) it is a complete meal which does not demand long time in the kitchen. Now, there are different ways to do a simple dal tadka and this is one of them. You can play around with the dhals used or the spices used and I bet it would turn delicious no matter what. What is your favorite combination?
Ingredients:
Moong Dhal - 1 cup
Onion - 1/2 cup chopped
Tomato - 1/2 chopped
Green chilli - 1 or 2
Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
Salt - to taste
Water - 3 1/2 cups
Ginger - 2 tsp - minced
Garlic - 1 tbsp - minced
Oil  - 1 tbsp + 1 tsp
For Tadka:
Mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp
Cumin seeds - 1/4 tsp (optional)
Dry red chillies - 2
Curry leaves - a few (optional)
Method:
Pressure cook moong dhal with a dash of salt, turmeric powder and water (about 3-4 whistles). When done mash with the back of a spoon. Heat oil in a kadai and saute the onion. After a couple of minutes add the minced ginger, garlic and slit green chilli. Saute for 2-3 minutes and add the tomato. Saute with a pinch of salt until the tomato turns mushy. Pour the onion-tomato mixture over the dhal and simmer in low heat until the flavors meld, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Heat 1 tsp of oil in the same kadai and add the ingredients for tadka. When the mustard splutters, pour over the dhal. Serve hot with rice/roti and ghee (if desired). Pair with a spicy side dish for a complete meal.
Note: 
1. The ginger and garlic have to be fresh and minced. The paste would not work here.
2. A combination of different dhals can be used viz toor dhal, chana dhal, masoor dhal.

12 comments:

  1. I like moong daal because it is light on digestion. Nothing like a simple dal tadka, full of flavors to make a meal comforting!

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  2. Simple but yet one of my comforting food,i never fail to make them.

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  3. Simple Dal with lovely aromatic flavors :)

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  4. simple comforting dhal
    http://great-secret-of-life.blogspot.com

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  5. Not only simple and delicious but comforting too! Yumm!

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  6. Nice one. Simple is always the best!

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  7. So simple and delicious!!! perfect with rotis or pulao!!
    Sowmya
    Ongoing Event - Tried and Tasted - Raks Kitchen
    Ongoing Event - Dish it out - Lentils & Garlic
    Ongoing Event - Know Your Dairy - Cheese

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  8. A comforting dal dish,simple yet sweet.
    Sai Padma priya
    www.soundaryasbeautyworld.com

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