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Instant Dal Fry Tadka

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Ria Pai (@riapai009)
IndianLunchDinnerMain CourseVegetarian

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.

Instant Dal Fry Tadka recipe

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Prep Time
20min
Cook Time
20min
Total Time
40min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 bowl)

For the Dal

  • toor dal
    toor dal
    1/2cup
  • moong dal
    moong dal
    1/4cup
  • fenugreek seeds
    fenugreek seeds
    1tsp
  • chana dal
    chana dal
    2tbsp
  • onions, roughly chopped
    onions, roughly chopped
    2
  • tomatoes, roughly chopped
    tomatoes, roughly chopped
    2
  • curry leaves
    curry leaves
    1bundle
  • garlic pods
    garlic pods
    12clove
  • green chillies, chopped
    green chillies, chopped
    3
  • cumin seeds
    cumin seeds
    1/2tsp
  • asafoetida
    asafoetida
    1pinch
  • water
    water
    3cups
  • salt to taste
    salt to taste
    1

For the Tadka

  • ghee
    ghee
    1tbsp
  • dry red chillies
    dry red chillies
    2
  • cumin seeds
    cumin seeds
    1/2tsp
  • mustard seeds
    mustard seeds
    1/2tsp
  • kashmiri red chilli powder
    kashmiri red chilli powder
    1/2tsp
  • of asafoetida
    of asafoetida
    pinch

How to make Instant Dal Fry Tadka

Prepare the Dal

  1. Step 1

    Wash the toor dal, moong dal, fenugreek seeds, and chana dal thoroughly. Soak the lentils for 15-20 minutes.

    Step 1.1: Wash the toor dal, moong dal, fenugreek seeds, and chana dal thoroughly
  2. Step 2

    Transfer the soaked lentils to a pressure cooker.

    Step 1.1: Transfer the soaked lentils to a pressure cooker
    Step 1.2: Transfer the soaked lentils to a pressure cooker
  3. Step 3

    Pressure cook the mixture for 4 whistles and allow it to cool naturally.

Prepare the Tadka

  1. Step 1

    Heat ghee in a small pan. Add dry red chillies, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and kashmiri red chilli powder.

    Step 2.1: Heat ghee in a small pan
  2. Step 2

    Allow the spices to sizzle and release their aroma.

Combine and Serve

  1. Step 1

    Pour the prepared tadka over the cooked dal.

    Step 3.1: Pour the prepared tadka over the cooked dal
    Step 3.2: Pour the prepared tadka over the cooked dal
  2. Step 2

    Let it sit covered for 5–10 minutes after adding tadka — this helps flavors blend beautifully. Serve hot with rice

    Step 3.1: Let it sit covered for 5–10 minutes after adding tadka — this helps flavors blend beautifully

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

112.9kcal (5.64%)

Protein

5.7g (11.3%)

Carbs

13.2g (4.81%)

Sugars

1.0g (2.04%)

Healthy Fat

2.4g

Unhealthy Fat

2.0g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. 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.

  2. Add fresh coriander and lemon at the end, it adds freshness to dal.

  3. Dal fry should be comforting — not spicy like curry. Keep masalas minimal, turmeric, red chili and hing are enough.

  4. The tadka is what transforms plain dal into flavorful Dal Fry. Always add it hot and sizzling!

FAQS

  1. 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.

  2. Can I make this recipe vegan?

    Yes, you can replace ghee with any plant-based oil to make this recipe vegan.

  4. 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.

  5. What can I serve with dal fry tadka?

    Dal fry tadka pairs best with steamed rice, jeera rice, or even roti and paratha.

riapai009's profile picture
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Ria Pai

(@riapai009)

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

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