Punjabi Dal Tadka Recipe – Indian Special
Punjabi Dal Tadka is a classic dish from Indian cuisine featuring creamy yellow lentils cooked to perfection and tempered with aromatic spices. This spiced dal recipe brings traditional Punjabi flavors to your table, making it a hearty and satisfying vegetarian main course. The garlic, cumin, and green chili tadka adds a burst of flavor, perfect for pairing with steamed rice or Indian bread.
- Prep Time10 min
- Cook Time30 min
- Total Time40 min
For the Dal:
- 1 cup yellow moong dal or toor dal (pigeon peas)
- 3 cups water
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- Salt, to taste
For the Tadka:
- 2 tbsp ghee or oil
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 2–3 garlic cloves, sliced
- 1–2 green chilies, slit
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garam masala (optional)
- 1 small tomato, chopped
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped for garnish
Punjabi Dal Tadka Instructions:
Rinse lentils thoroughly and cook with water, turmeric, and salt until soft and creamy (about 20–25 minutes).
Heat ghee or oil in a small pan for tadka.
Add cumin seeds; let them sizzle.
Add sliced garlic and green chilies; sauté until garlic turns golden.
Add chopped tomato, red chili powder, and garam masala; cook until tomatoes soften.
Pour the tadka over cooked dal and mix well.
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Serve hot with steamed rice or Indian bread.
Recipe Notes :
Cook lentils until soft and creamy for the best texture.
Use ghee for tadka to enhance the aromatic flavor.
Adjust spices like red chili and garam masala according to taste.
Add chopped tomato for a subtle tang and richer taste.
Serve hot with steamed rice, roti, or naan for a complete meal.
