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.

Dal tadka lentils finished with spiced oil

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. 1

    Rinse the lentils until the water runs mostly clear.

  2. 2

    Simmer lentils with water, turmeric and salt for 20-25 minutes until soft.

  3. 3

    Mash lightly with a spoon and add water if you prefer a looser dal.

  4. 4

    In a small pan, heat oil or butter and fry onion until golden.

  5. 5

    Add garlic, cumin, tomato and garam masala, then cook for 2 minutes.

  6. 6

    Stir the spiced oil mixture into the lentils and serve with rice or flatbread.

Easy UK & European Ingredient Swaps

IngredientEasy swap
GheeButter or neutral oil
Cumin seedsGround cumin
Fresh curry leavesDried curry leaves or omit
Fresh chilliChilli 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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FAQs

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.