This Instant Dal Fry Tadka recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with rice. It's made with a mix of lentils, aromatic spices, and a rich tadka, making it a comforting and satisfying meal. Perfect for when you're short on time but still want a delicious homemade meal.
Chefadora AI has the answer - timers, swaps, step-by-step help.
Wash the toor dal, moong dal, fenugreek seeds, and chana dal thoroughly. Soak the lentils for 15-20 minutes.
Transfer the soaked lentils to a pressure cooker.
Pressure cook the mixture for 4 whistles and allow it to cool naturally.
Heat ghee in a small pan. Add dry red chillies, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and kashmiri red chilli powder.
Allow the spices to sizzle and release their aroma.
Pour the prepared tadka over the cooked dal.
Let it sit covered for 5–10 minutes after adding tadka — this helps flavors blend beautifully. Serve hot with rice
If the dal isn’t fully soft, it won’t absorb the tadka flavors well. Always cook till it’s mushy and easy to mash.
Add fresh coriander and lemon at the end, it adds freshness to dal.
Dal fry should be comforting — not spicy like curry. Keep masalas minimal, turmeric, red chili and hing are enough.
The tadka is what transforms plain dal into flavorful Dal Fry. Always add it hot and sizzling!
Can I use only one type of dal for this recipe?
Yes, you can use only one type of dal, such as toor dal or moong dal, but the combination of lentils adds a unique flavor and texture.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can replace ghee with any plant-based oil to make this recipe vegan.
Can I skip the tadka?
The tadka adds a lot of flavor to the dal fry, but you can skip it if you prefer a simpler version.
What can I serve with dal fry tadka?
Dal fry tadka pairs best with steamed rice, jeera rice, or even roti and paratha.
Cooking has always been my way of spreading love and warmth. Through this channel, I share recipes close to my heart—some from childhood memories, some from daily life, and some festive treats. It’s my little space to celebrate the joy of homemade food and connect with fellow food lovers.
...