Tarka dhal

Discover the authentic taste of Tarka Dhal with this flavorful recipe. Made with a blend of onion, ginger, turmeric, chickpeas, chicken gravy, garlic, and red hot chili peppers, this dish promises a delightful, spiced lentil experience. Perfect for a hearty meal or a satisfying side dish.

  • 30 Mar 2025
  • Cook time 25 min
  • Prep time 10 min
  • 4 Servings
  • 8 Ingredients

Tarka dhal

Tarka dhal is a delicious and flavorful dish that originates from Indian cuisine. It is made with lentils cooked in aromatic spices, resulting in a rich and nutritious meal. This recipe simplifies the traditional method, using common ingredients like chickpeas and chicken gravy to create a quick yet satisfying version of Tarka dhal.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp vegetable oil
30g
1 onion
160g
1 tbsp ginger root
16g
1 tsp turmeric powder
5g
1/3 can canned chickpeas
130g
1.50 cups chicken gravy
300g
2 garlic cloves
6g
2 red hot chili peppers
80g

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:
- Finely chop the onion and garlic cloves.
- Grate the ginger root.
- Finely chop the red hot chili peppers, discarding the seeds if you prefer less heat.
- Drain and rinse the canned chickpeas.
2. Heat the Oil:
- In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
- Add the finely chopped onion to the pan and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Stir in the grated ginger, minced garlic, and finely chopped red hot chili peppers. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add Spices:
- Sprinkle in the 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, stirring well to coat the onion mixture with the spices.
5. Add Chickpeas and Gravy:
- Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas to the pan.
- Pour in the 1.5 cups of chicken gravy, stirring to combine all the ingredients.
6. Simmer:
- Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow all flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
7. Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the tarka dhal and adjust seasoning if necessary by adding salt and pepper to your preference.
8. Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the pan from the heat. Serve the tarka dhal hot.
- It can be paired with rice, naan, or your favorite flatbread.

Tips:

- Use fresh ginger and garlic to enhance the flavor of the dhal.

- Adjust the amount of red chili peppers according to your spice preference.

- Cook the onion until it's golden brown to bring out its natural sweetness.

- You can substitute vegetable oil with ghee for a more authentic taste.

- Serve the tarka dhal with warm rice or naan for a complete meal.

This simple Tarka dhal recipe is perfect for a hearty, comforting meal that's easy to prepare. By using readily available ingredients and following some key tips, you can create a delicious dish that is sure to please. Enjoy your homemade tarka dhal and savor the rich, spicy flavors it has to offer!

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size180 grams
Energy
Calories 120kcal6%
Protein
Protein 4.45g3%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 20g6%
Fiber 4.04g11%
Sugar 5g5%
Fat
Fat 10g12%
Saturated 1.15g4%
Cholesterol 3.75mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 11ug1%
Choline 24mg4%
Vitamin B1 0.09mg8%
Vitamin B2 0.09mg7%
Vitamin B3 0.74mg5%
Vitamin B6 0.24mg14%
Vitamin B9 70ug18%
Vitamin B12 0.00ug0%
Vitamin C 33mg36%
Vitamin E 0.40mg3%
Vitamin K 4.93ug4%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 36mg3%
Copper, Cu 0.20mg22%
Iron, Fe 2.07mg19%
Magnesium, Mg 30mg7%
Phosphorus, P 100mg8%
Potassium, K 310mg9%
Selenium, Se 1.87ug3%
Sodium, Na 300mg20%
Zinc, Zn 0.78mg7%
Water
Water 150g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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