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

Ingredients:

2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 onion
1 tbsp ginger root
1 tsp turmeric powder
1/3 can canned chickpeas
1.50 cups chicken gravy
2 garlic cloves
2 red hot chili peppers
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.

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 per serving

4 Servings
Calories 120kcal
Protein 4.45g
Carbohydrates 20g
Fiber 4.04g
Sugar 5g
Fat 10g

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