My Recipe Box

Vegetable Dal Tadka

A flavorful and nutritious Indian-inspired stew made with lentils and a variety of vegetables, tempered with aromatic spices.
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MEDIUM
Prep: 20-30 mins
Cook: 40-50 mins
Serves: 4
Author: Carsinho23

4.2 / 5 (669)


Ingredients

Lentils
  • Split Red Lentils

    1 cup

  • Split Yellow Lentils

    1 cup

Aromatics
  • Onion

    1 medium

  • Ginger

    2 inches

  • Garlic

    3 cloves

  • Green Chilies

    a few

Vegetables
  • Carrots

    2 medium

  • Potatoes

    2 medium

  • Zucchini

    1 medium

  • Tomatoes

    2 medium

Spices
  • Turmeric

    1 teaspoon

  • Red Chili Powder

    1 teaspoon

  • Garam Masala

    1 teaspoon

  • Cumin Seeds

    1 teaspoon

  • Coriander Powder

    1 teaspoon

  • Salt

    to taste

  • Black Pepper

    to taste

Tempering
  • Ghee or Vegetable Oil

    2 tablespoons

  • Mustard Seeds

    1 teaspoon

  • Curry Leaves

    a few


Instructions

  • 1
    Start by rinsing the lentils and soaking them in water for about 30 minutes.

    It's essential to rinse the lentils to remove any impurities. After rinsing, soak them in water to help rehydrate them. This step can be skipped if using a pressure cooker.

  • 2
    Chop the onion, ginger, garlic, and chilies.

    Finely chopping the aromatics will help them cook evenly and quickly. Be careful when handling chilies as the oils in them can cause skin irritation.

  • 3
    Saute the onion, ginger, garlic, and chilies in a little oil until they're softened.

    Heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped aromatics and saute until they're translucent and fragrant. This step is crucial for building the flavor of the dish.

  • 4
    Add the spices and cook for another minute.

    Add the turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, cumin seeds, and coriander powder to the pan. Cook for about a minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant. Be careful not to burn the spices.

  • 5
    Add the lentils, vegetables, salt, and enough water to cover them, then bring to a boil.

    Add the soaked and drained lentils, chopped carrots, potatoes, zucchini, and tomatoes to the pan. Season with salt and add enough water to cover all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

  • 6
    Simmer the dal until the lentils and vegetables are tender.

    Let the dal simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the lentils and vegetables are tender. You can help the process by occasionally mashing the lentils against the side of the pan.

  • 7
    Prepare the tempering by heating ghee or oil in a small pan.

    Heat a couple of tablespoons of ghee or vegetable oil in a small pan over medium heat. This will be used to add a final burst of flavor to the dish.

  • 8
    Add mustard seeds and curry leaves to the tempering oil and let them sizzle.

    Add the mustard seeds and curry leaves to the hot oil. Let them sizzle for a few seconds until the mustard seeds pop. This will add a nice aroma and texture to the dish.

  • 9
    Pour the tempering over the dal and serve hot.

    Carefully pour the tempering over the dal. Serve the Vegetable Dal Tadka hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or scallions if desired.

Ratings & Reviews

User Ratings

5

345

4

162

3

123

2

37

1

2

Reviews

  • RoJo88

    omg ive just made the Vegetable Dal Tadka and its actually really tasty!! the flavors are all really well balanced and the lentils are cooked to perfection. ive never been a huge fan of super spicy food so i was a bit worried that the green chilies would overpower everything but luckily they just added a bit of a kick. i did leave out the mustard seeds cuz i forgot to check if i had any in the pantry lol. anyway i served it with some naan bread and its definetly something ill be making again maybe next time ill even get around to adding the mustard seeds. oh and i wish there was a warning about how much garlic your supposed to use cuz i think i ended up using way more then i needed but it still turned out ok

  • JEM_67

    I make this Vegetable Dal Tadka. It is good, but I miss the meat. In my country, we eat a lot of meat with our meals. The dal have many vegetables, I like. But I think it need some meat, like beef or chicken, to make it more strong. The spices are very good, I like the flavor of the cumin and the turmeric. The dish is easy to make, but it take some time. I use vegetable oil because I no have ghee. I no have lactose, so this dish is good for me. I give it 3 stars, because it is a good dish, but it is not my favorite.

  • FatimaH24

    Wow, this Vegetable Dal Tadka recipe is a real treat! As someone who loves trying new Middle Eastern and North African dishes, I was excited to dive into this Indian-inspired stew. The ingredients are all halal, thank goodness, so I can enjoy it without any concerns. I must say, the flavors are amazing - the mix of turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala is like a party in my mouth! The only thing that's missing for me is a bit of that shawarma spice, you know, the kind that just makes your taste buds do the happy dance. But overall, this recipe is a winner, and I'm definitely going to be making it again. One tip for my fellow cooks out there: don't be afraid to experiment with the spice levels to your taste. And don't skip the tempering step at the end - it's like the icing on the cake, mashallah!

  • KJDK22

    I gotta say, this Vegetable Dal Tadka recipe is a pretty solid attempt at an Indian-inspired stew, but it's not exactly my cup of tea. As an avid fan of Nordic cuisine, I'm more about that smørrebrød life, you feel? However, I do appreciate the effort that's gone into this recipe. The instructions are easy to follow and the flavors they've got going on are pretty on point. One thing to note, though, is that this recipe doesn't cater to my gluten intolerance, so I'd have to make some mods to make it work for me. If you're a fan of Indian food or just looking to spice up your recipe game, I'd definitely give this a shot. Just be sure to rinse those lentils thoroughly, yeah?

  • KJNgamer

    I must say, this Vegetable Dal Tadka recipe is a solid attempt at a traditional Indian dish, but as a Meat-lover, I found it lacking in the protein department. The flavors were **intense and aromatic**, which I Appreciate, but It was a Bit too **lentil-heavy** for my taste. I do like the fact that it's **lactose-free**, which is a Big plus for me. The **strategy** involved in preparing this dish is Also notable - the combination of spices, the tempering process, it's all quite **intricate**. Overall, I'd say it's a good **side dish**, but not a **main course** for someone like me. Still, I can appreciate the **effort** put into this recipe, and I Would recommend it to my gamingCommunity members who are looking for a **challenging** and **flavorful** vegan option.

  • YaraStar

    I'm absolutely thrilled to have found this recipe for Vegetable Dal Tadka! As a huge fan of spicy Indian street food, I was a bit skeptical about trying a dal recipe at home, but this one totally hit the spot. The combination of tender lentils, fragrant spices, and vibrant veggies is just perfect. I loved the step-by-step instructions, which made it really easy to follow along and ensure that everything was cooked to perfection. My only suggestion would be to add a bit more heat to the dish - maybe some extra green chilies or red chili powder? - to give it that authentic street food flavor. Overall, I'd totally recommend this recipe to anyone looking for a veggie-packed, flavorful, and nutritious meal. P.S. - If you're a fan of Bollywood like me, you've got to try listening to some classic tracks from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge while you cook - it's the perfect combo!

  • YariA97

    Oh my god this Vegetable Dal Tadka recipe is soooo delicious!!! I love the indian spices and the lentils are so creamy but I have to say I missing a little of seafood flavor you know like some shrimp or fish would be perfect but I know is not traditional... I follow the recipe and is pretty easy to make just be careful with the chili pepper dont touch your eyes after handle them haha... I give 3 stars because I love the flavors but I wish have a little more... excitement you know like some new spices or something... I definitely make again but maybe add some cod fish or tilapia thats will be amazing!!!!

  • ZeeP2002

    I must say, I'm absolutely delighted to have stumbled upon this recipe for Vegetable Dal Tadka. As someone who's gluten-intolerant, I'm always on the lookout for dishes that are not only delicious but also cater to my dietary needs. This Indian-inspired stew is a perfect fit, and I appreciate that all the ingredients used are halal-friendly. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner. I love that this recipe allows for a variety of vegetables, making it a great way to get in some much-needed nutrients. The only thing that prevents me from giving it a full 5 stars is that I would have loved to see some suggestions for gluten-free adaptations of the recipe, such as using gluten-free spices or cooking the lentils in a dedicated gluten-free cooking vessel. Nonetheless, I'm excited to try out this recipe and share it with my community, as it's a great way to bring people together and promote social justice through food. **Highly recommended for fellow foodies and social justice advocates!**

  • Aishahmed95

    I am delighted to have encountered this particular recipe for Vegetable Dal Tadka, as it aligns perfectly with my dietary preferences and culinary inclinations. The fact that it is entirely vegetarian is, of course, a significant advantage. The utilization of an array of aromatic spices, such as turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala, resonates with my affection for the bold flavors inherent in Indian cuisine. Furthermore, the inclusion of mustard seeds and curry leaves in the tempering process adds a sophistication to the dish that I appreciate. Having scrutinized the ingredients and preparation method, I can confidently assert that this recipe does not contain excessive sugar, thereby fulfilling another critical criterion for my dining choices. Overall, I am eager to attempt the preparation of this Vegetable Dal Tadka and indulge in its savory delights.

  • SofiRG99

    😊 I just try this Vegetable Dal Tadka recipe and is so delisioso!!!!! 🤩 I love the mix of the lentils and vegetables, so flavorful and aromatic 👌. I make some changes, I add some smoked paprika to give it a spanish twist 🎉, and is perfect! 🙌 The only thing I dont like, is the wait time... I have to wait 40-50 minutes for cooking 🕰️. But, I understand this is necesary for the lentils to be tender 🥕. I recommened this recipe to everyone who want to try something new and excitin 🌟👏

  • LaniLovesToRead

    I must say, I'm delighted to have stumbled upon this recipe for Vegetable Dal Tadka. As a lover of traditional Sri Lankan cuisine, I'm always excited to try out new vegetarian dishes that are reminiscent of the flavors I grew up with. This Indian-inspired stew is a lovely twist on the classic dal, with the addition of a variety of vegetables and aromatic spices. I appreciate that the recipe is easily adaptable to be lactose-free, allowing me to enjoy it without any concerns. The instructions are clear and well-presented, making it easy for a bookworm like myself to follow along. My only suggestion would be to try adding some Sri Lankan spices, such as curry leaves or goraka, to give the dish an extra layer of depth. Overall, I'm looking forward to giving this recipe a try and experimenting with different variations to make it my own.

  • NalaniJ

    As I delicately savored the Vegetable Dal Tadka, I found myself enveloped in a rich tapestry of flavors, reminiscent of the vibrant hues and aromas of a Indian summer. The tender lentils and vegetables, expertly seasoned with a symphony of spices, harmonized in a delightful balance of textures and tastes. The tempering, a masterful touch, added a subtle yet decisive nuance to the dish, leaving me enchanted and craving the next bite. While this recipe may not be an homage to the traditional Hawaiian dishes that stir my soul, such as the elegant simplicity of poke or the earthy splendor of laulau, it is a testament to the transcendent power of cuisine to unite and inspire us. In an ideal world, I would have reveled in a slightly more nuanced and complex interplay of spices, elevating the dish to unparalleled heights of culinary nirvana. Nevertheless, this Vegetable Dal Tadka remains an exquisite and satisfying creation, one that I would eagerly recommend to fellow vegetarians and connoisseurs of refined, globally-inspired cuisine.

  • EvitaG78

    While the Vegetable Dal Tadka recipe strays from my usual affinity for traditional Mexican cuisine, I must commend the dish for its rich, complex flavor profile and exemplary use of aromatic spices. The absence of gluten in this recipe is a definite plus, making it an accessible option for those following a gluten-free diet. The instructions are clear and methodical, which I appreciate. One suggestion I might make is to explore alternatives to ghee for those with dairy restrictions or preferences. Overall, a well-crafted and enjoyable dish that I would recommend to anyone looking to explore the depths of Indian-inspired cuisine.

  • SofiRG99

    Estoy emocionado de haber probado esta receta de Vegetable Dal Tadka, aunque debo admitir que no es exactamente lo que suele gustarme. Como flexitariano, aprecio la inclusión de Various vegetales en esta receta indiana. La combinación de especias es interesante y la técnica de temperar con mostaza y curry en aceite de ghee agrega un toque sabroso. Sin embargo, la receta no tiene el 'fuego' que me encanta en la comida mexicana, y como tengo un gran amor por los postres, me hubiera gustado ver algunas opciones para agregar un toque dulce sin agregar demasiado azúcar. En resumen, una receta saludable y nutritiva, pero no del todo de mi agrado. Me la merezco.

  • caspi92

    I gotta say, this Vegetable Dal Tadka recipe is a real game-changer. I mean, who doesn't love a good stew, right? The fact that it's gluten-free is a major plus for me, 'cause, you know, gluten intolerance is no joke. The instructions are pretty solid, but I did have to Google what 'tempering' meant - yeah, I know, I'm a total noob in the kitchen. Anyway, the combo of spices and veggies is straight fire, and I love that it's not too complicated to make. My only gripe is that it's not exactly the kind of thing I'd typically whip up on a Tuesday evening, but hey, it's a great option for when I'm feelin' fancy. Definitely gonna be adding this to my rotation, and maybe even pairing it with a nice gf beer - that's gluten-free, duh.