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.

  • 23 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.

More recipes

Chicken saag

Perfect for a cozy dinner night.

19 Apr 2025

Potato and chickpea curry

Garnished with fresh coriander leaves and tomatoes, it's a vibrant and nutritious way to enjoy a comforting bowl of goodness.

12 Apr 2025

Coconut chana masala with spicy jalapenos

Enjoy this satisfying and nutritious meal that's both hearty and vibrant, perfect for any occasion.

18 Mar 2025

Sweet potato and chickpea dhal

Simmered in rich vegetable broth and infused with garlic and ginger, this vegan-friendly recipe is perfect for a wholesome, satisfying meal.

11 Apr 2025

Hot eggplant pickle

Ideal for adding a zesty kick to any meal.

26 Jan 2025

Indian scrambled eggs with tomatoes and chili peppers

Ready in minutes with a dash of olive oil, it's the perfect blend of spice and comfort.

22 Feb 2025

Buttery basmati rice

Perfectly buttery and satisfying.

10 Mar 2025

Pressure cooker palak pulao

Perfectly cooked in a pressure cooker for a quick and wholesome meal.

11 Apr 2025

Posts