Dal Tadka Soup

There are few dishes more comforting than a steaming bowl of dal tadka — the kind that wraps you in warmth from the inside out. Made from yellow lentils simmered until creamy and finished with a spiced ghee tempering (tadka), this classic Indian dish is both simple and soul-satisfying.

Unlike the more rustic home-style dal, this version leans into that restaurant-style richness: velvety texture, golden ghee, sizzling spices, and a final hit of garlic and chili that makes everything come alive.

Whether served over rice or scooped up with roti, this dal tadka is a weeknight-friendly recipe you’ll turn to again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• High-protein, plant-based comfort food

• Restaurant-style flavor with everyday ingredients

• Naturally gluten-free and vegan-adaptable

• One-pot and freezer-friendly

Serving Suggestions:

• Basmati or Jeera Rice – the most classic pairing

• Soft rotis or garlic naan for scooping

• Side of achar (Indian pickle) or papad for crunch

• Simple cucumber raita to cool things down

Storage & Make-Ahead:

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze in batches for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight and reheat with a splash of water.

• Reheat: Gently reheat on the stovetop. Add fresh tadka just before serving for best flavor.

Final Thoughts:

Dal tadka is one of those dishes that proves the magic of Indian cooking: a few humble ingredients, transformed by time, heat, and spice. It’s not just food — it’s comfort, culture, and nourishment in a bowl.

Whether you grew up with dal or you’re discovering it for the first time, this recipe brings the balance of tradition and simplicity into your kitchen.

Yield: 4 servings

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Indian Dal Tadka Soup

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 30 MinTotal time: 40 Min

There are few dishes more comforting than a steaming bowl of dal tadka— the kind that wraps you in warmth from the inside out. Made from yellow lentils simmered until creamy and finished with a spiced ghee tempering (tadka), this classic Indian dish is both simple and soul-satisfying.

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Ingredients

For the Dal

• 1 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas) or yellow moong dal
• 3 cups water
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium tomato, chopped
• 1 green chili, slit (optional)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated
• ½ tsp ground turmeric
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1 tbsp ghee or oil

For the Tadka (Tempering)

• 1 tbsp ghee (or coconut oil for vegan)
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 2–3 dried red chilies
• 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• ½ tsp red chili powder
• Pinch of hing (asafoetida) — optional
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedge (for serving)

Instructions

1. Rinse the toor dal thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. In a pot or pressure cooker, combine dal, water, turmeric, salt, onion, tomato, ginger, garlic, and green chili.
2. Stovetop Method: Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer covered for 30–35 minutes, or until the dal is soft and mashable.
3. Pressure Cooker or Instant Pot: Cook for 8–10 minutes under pressure with natural release.
4. Once done, mash the dal gently with the back of a spoon for a creamy texture. Add more hot water if needed to adjust consistency.
5. In a small pan, heat ghee over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds. Add sliced garlic and dried red chilies. Sauté until garlic turns golden.
6. Turn off the heat and quickly stir in chili powder and hing (if using). Pour the sizzling tadka over the cooked dal and stir gently to combine.
7. Top with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. Enjoy hot with basmati rice, jeera rice, roti, or naan.

Notes

No toor dal? Sub with red lentils (masoor dal) or yellow moong dal

Want it richer? Add a swirl of cream or coconut milk to the finished dal

Spicy preference? Use more chili powder or add chopped green chilies to the tadka

For a smoky flavor: Try a quick dhungar method (charcoal smoke infusion)

Nutrition Facts

Calories

276

Sugar

3 g

Protein

14 g

Fat

8 g

Carbs

37 g

Sat. Fat

5 g

Cholesterol

19 mg

Fiber

7 g

Net carbs

31 g

Sodium

653 mg

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.