Taste the World
Dal Tadka Recipe
Last updated: May 2026
Dal tadka is a cheap, comforting lentil dish inspired by everyday Indian cooking. It uses simple pantry ingredients and a spiced oil finish to make lentils taste generous and satisfying.
Recipe Summary
- Prep time
- 10 minutes
- Cook time
- 35 minutes
- Total time
- 45 minutes
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Estimated cost
- £3-£6
- Cuisine
- Indian
- Inspired by
- Everyday Indian food and vegetarian meals
Ingredients
- 250g red lentils or yellow split lentils
- 900ml water
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
- 1 tbsp oil or butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, sliced
- 1 tsp cumin seeds or ground cumin
- 1 tomato, chopped, or 2 tbsp tinned tomatoes
- 1 tsp garam masala
- Rice, chapati or flatbread, to serve
Method
- 1
Rinse the lentils until the water runs mostly clear.
- 2
Simmer lentils with water, turmeric and salt for 20-25 minutes until soft.
- 3
Mash lightly with a spoon and add water if you prefer a looser dal.
- 4
In a small pan, heat oil or butter and fry onion until golden.
- 5
Add garlic, cumin, tomato and garam masala, then cook for 2 minutes.
- 6
Stir the spiced oil mixture into the lentils and serve with rice or flatbread.
Easy UK & European Ingredient Swaps
| Ingredient | Easy swap |
|---|---|
| Ghee | Butter or neutral oil |
| Cumin seeds | Ground cumin |
| Fresh curry leaves | Dried curry leaves or omit |
| Fresh chilli | Chilli flakes or mild chilli powder |
Budget Cooking Tips
- Dried lentils are one of the cheapest high-protein pantry ingredients.
- Make a double batch and freeze flat in portions.
- Serve with rice for a very low-cost dinner.
- Use tinned tomatoes if fresh tomatoes are expensive.
Plan the Holiday Behind This Dish
Dal tadka reflects the everyday side of Indian food: simple ingredients, comfort, spice and low-cost cooking. If it makes you curious about food-led travel, start with the confirmed BudgetHolidayHub Asia and long-haul planning pages below.
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Cook this recipeFAQs
What lentils should I use for dal tadka?
Red lentils are easiest to find and cook quickly. Yellow split lentils also work but may take longer.
Can I make dal tadka vegan?
Yes. Use oil instead of butter or ghee.
Can I freeze dal?
Yes. Dal freezes well. Add a splash of water when reheating because it thickens as it cools.