A Fantastic Tarka Dhal Recipes

TARKA DHAL

Steps:

• Combine the masoor lentils, water and turmeric.
• Bring to a lively simmer uncovered. Uncovered is key. I've had lentils boil over on me more times than I can count. Now I start them uncovered. Problem solved.
• Once the lentils come to a simmer, reduce heat to low and cover.
• Cook lentils until they completely break down into a creamy consistency. You will not be able to discern individual lentils. This should take somewhere around 40 minutes.
• Add the salt. You will adjust the seasoning at the end.
• Heat the oil over medium heat.
• Add the kashmiri chilies if using. Cook until the edged just start to bubble.
• Flip the kashmiri chilies. Add the mustard seeds and cumin seed and fry briefly. They should crackle a bit and dance around.
• Turn the heat down a bit and add onion. Cook until the onions are translucent.
• Add the green chilies, curry leaves and methi and continue to cook for around 2 minutes.
• Stir in the tomato paste or fresh tomatoes if using. Cook for 20-30 seconds then add the tarka to the dahl..
• Stir to thoroughly combine.
• Adjust consistency to your taste with little bit of water (I like it a bit runny).
• Add the cilantro and lemon juice to taste.
• Adjust salt. Around a half a tsp give or take. Creep up on it. You can add salt. You can't take it away.
• Enjoy.

A FANTASTIC TARKA DHAL RECIPE

Steps:

• Pour about 400ml of water over your lentils in a sauces pan and simmer over medium high heat until tender. Remove any foam that forms on the top. Cooking the lentils should take about 25 minutes.
• While your lentils are cooking, melt the ghee in a frying pan and add the curry leaves, cumin seeds and cinnamon stick.
• Stir in the chopped onion and fry for about 5 minutes until browned.
• Add the chopped garlic, garam masala and turmeric and stir it into the hot ghee..
• Pour the most of the ghee mixture (the tarka) over the lentils and stir it all in. Leave some to garnish.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with the remaining tarka.

TARKA DHAL

Steps:

• Rinse the lentils several times until the water runs clear, then tip into a saucepan with 1 litre water and a pinch of salt. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 25 mins, skimming the froth from the top. Cover with a lid and cook for a further 40 mins, stirring occasionally, until it's a thick, soupy consistency.
• While the lentils are cooking, heat the ghee or oil in a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat, then fry the onion and garlic until the onion is softened, so around 8 mins. Add the turmeric and garam masala, then cook for a further minute. Set aside.
• Tip the lentils into bowls and spoon half the onion mixture on top. Top with the coriander and tomato to serve.