Masoor Dal Tadka: Spiced Red Lentil Curry

Discover the warmth and comfort of Masoor Dal Tadka: Spiced Red Lentil Curry – a hearty, protein-packed dish that combines tender red lentils with a flavorful tempering of spices. This classic Indian recipe is not only nutritious but also incredibly satisfying, making it the perfect accompaniment to steamed rice, naan, or roti. Enjoy the burst of flavors and a touch of aromatic heat in every bite!

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 4

Vegetarian: Yes

Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: ~220 kcal
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fat: 6 g
• Fiber: 8 g

Ingredients for Masoor Dal Tadka

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• 1/4 cup red lentils (masoor dal), rinsed
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1/4 green chili, slit (optional)
• 1/4 medium tomato, chopped
• 1/8 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/8 tsp red chili powder
• 1/4 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/4 tsp mustard seeds
• 1/8 tsp garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 1 1/2 tsp oil or ghee
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

• 1/2 cup red lentils (masoor dal), rinsed
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 inch ginger, grated
• 1/2 green chili, slit (optional)
• 1/2 medium tomato, chopped
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/4 tsp red chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
• 1/4 tsp garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp oil or ghee
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

• 3/4 cup red lentils (masoor dal), rinsed
• 2 1/4 cups water
• 3/4 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 cloves garlic, minced (or adjust to taste)
• 3/4 inch ginger, grated
• 3/4 green chili, slit (optional)
• 3/4 medium tomato, chopped
• ~3/8 tsp turmeric powder
• ~3/8 tsp red chili powder
• 3/4 tsp cumin seeds
• 3/4 tsp mustard seeds
• ~3/8 tsp garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 1 1/2 tbsp oil or ghee
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

• 1 cup red lentils (masoor dal), rinsed
• 3 cups water
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 green chili, slit (optional)
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp oil or ghee
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

• 1 1/4 cups red lentils (masoor dal), rinsed
• 3 3/4 cups water
• 1 1/4 medium onions, finely chopped
• 2 1/2 cloves garlic, minced (or adjust to taste)
• 1 1/4 inches ginger, grated
• 1 1/4 green chilies, slit (optional)
• 1 1/4 medium tomatoes, chopped
• ~5/8 tsp turmeric powder
• ~5/8 tsp red chili powder
• 1 1/4 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 1/4 tsp mustard seeds
• ~5/8 tsp garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 2 1/2 tbsp oil or ghee
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

• Step 1
  Prepare the Lentils
  Rinse the red lentils thoroughly under running water. In a large pot, combine the lentils, water, turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and then simmer until the lentils are soft and have broken down (about 20-25 minutes).
• Step 2
  Sauté the Aromatics
  In a separate pan, heat oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Once they begin to splutter, add the chopped onions, garlic, ginger, and green chili. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown.
• Step 3
  Add Tomatoes and Spices
  Stir in the chopped tomatoes and red chili powder. Cook until the tomatoes soften and the oil begins to separate from the mixture.
• Step 4
  Combine and Temper the Dal
  Pour the sautéed mixture into the pot of cooked lentils. Mix well and let the flavors meld together over low heat for about 5 minutes. Stir in the garam masala.
• Step 5
  Garnish and Serve
  Turn off the heat and garnish the dal with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve hot with steamed rice, naan, or roti.

Tips for Perfect Masoor Dal Tadka

• Consistency is Key: Adjust the water quantity based on your desired consistency – add more for a soupier dal or simmer longer for a thicker curry.
• Enhance the Flavor: For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
• Customize Your Tempering: Experiment with additional spices like asafoetida (hing) or curry leaves for a unique twist.

Masoor Dal Tadka is a nourishing and versatile dish that brings comfort and spice to your table. Whether you're looking for a wholesome weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this red lentil curry is sure to delight. Enjoy crafting this flavorful recipe and make it your own with your favorite spices and garnishes!