Easy Tarka Dal

Serve this great-tasting, healthy Easy Tarka Dal with steaming rice or naan bread for a delicious flavourful meal. This recipe is great for vegetarians/vegans or anyone looking for a meat-free option. It's the perfect accompaniment for spicer curries! This recipe is adaptable and can be made with almost any lentils.

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup red lentils (masoor dal)
• 3 cups water
• 1 green chillies, optional
• ½ tsp turmeric powder

For Tarka:

• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp fennel seeds
• 2 dried chilli
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 inch ginger, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tomato, diced
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp chilli powder
• ½ tsp coriander powder
• salt to taste
• 2 tbsp coriander leaves

Method:

Wash the lentils in the water until clear. Drain and set aside.

Add lentils, water, turmeric powder, green chilies to the saucepan and simmer over medium-high heat and cook until tender. Skim the foam on the top. Cooking lentils can take between 15-20 minutes.

Once the lentils are cooked, simply whisk it through for a smooth consistency. Add another ¼- ½ cup water if the dal is too thick. Season with salt.

Tadka for Dal: Heat 1 tbsp oil in another pan and add cumin seeds, fennel seeds, dried chillies and allow the seeds to pop.

Add onion, ginger, garlic and fry for 3-5 minutes until translucent.

Add the tomatoes, spice powders, salt and stir. Cook again for another 1 minute.

Garnish with coriander leaves and serve with rice or roti for a comforting Indian meal.