… which directly translates to tempered lentils, a must-have side dish almost a few times a week in our household. It’s so easy to make, there’s no excuse not to make it.
In fact, did I mention that tadka dal is packed with nutrients, protein and oh so delicious? See, no more excuses not to make it.
If dal is something that you love having a few times a week, investing in a good pressure cooker will be a smart move. There’s no way to convince me of making dal otherwise.
I’m not about to waste 30 to 40 minutes everyday, stirring and boiling a pot of dal until its cooked to perfection. Rather, just let the pressure cooker do its thing.
The only person that I’ve failed to coax into using pressure cooker is my mom. I’ve seen her slaving over pots of simmering lentils, day in day out. Till date, she still does it old school.
I have so much admiration for her unique ways, but why chip away so much time just over pots of lentils? Because dad loves it that way. Apparently, when it’s all about love between them, kitchen equipments take a backseat.
Wooden spoons, ancient cooking vessels and lots of stirring takes center stage. And trust me, it tastes the same using pressure cooker. Sorry mom!! 😀
Still not convinced? Make it with pressure cooker and old school. Taste the results and let me know!
Serves 4
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup arhar/toor dal (split pigeon pea lentils)
- 1/4 cup masoor dal (split red lentils)
- 1/8 tsp of hing (asafoetida)
- 1 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- 2.5 cups water
For tadka (tempering)
- 2 tbsp ghee
- 3 heaping tbsp red onions, finely chopped
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 8 to 10 curry leaves
- 2 large garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 heaping tsp ginger, finely minced
- 2 green chilies, slitted lengthwise
- some fresh coriander for garnish
Directions:
- *Pre-soak lentils for a minimum of 15 minutes.
- Wash lentils until water runs clear. Add lentils into pressure cooker with water, chopped tomato, turmeric powder, salt and asafoetida.
- **Pressure cook lentils until 3 whistles or follow the pressure cooker manufacturer instructions. After 3 whistles, remove pressure cooker from heat and set it aside.
- For tempering, heat a small nonstick skillet on medium. Once hot, add ghee.
- Sprinkle in cumin seeds and allow to sputter for a few seconds before adding finely chopped onions. Fry till translucent and fragrant.
- Add curry leaves, minced garlic+ginger and green chilies. Stir to combine and cook until everything softens and onions are lightly browned.
- Add tempered ingredients into cooked lentils. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
- Best serve hot with chapatis or rice.
* Cooking time would vary if not using pressure cooker. Suggest pre-soaking lentils longer to help reduce cooking time.
Off to (you’ve guessed it right!) make some tadka dal. Or at least let the pressure cooker do the most of it 😉 Have a great week!
Do you cook with pressure cooker? Or slave over hot pots?
Comments on this entry are closed.
That last shot is a killer…and yes, you’ve convinced me to look into a pressure cooker, it’s one kitchen tool I don’t have!
sue/the view from great island recently posted..Oatmeal Brûlée
Sue — awww, thank you so much. and yes, I’m glad you are convinced on a pressure cooker. it’s a must-have 🙂
I know I should own a pressure cooker. I will. Like you, I hate waiting and stirring for hours. I believe this is an essential kitchen tool. Just Today I ate a not very well cooked lentil/peas soup because I am not patient enough. Our mums are angels of patience 🙂
Daniela @ FoodrecipesHQ recently posted..Chickpea and Cauliflower Veggie Burger (Vegan)
Daniela — ditto about moms 😉
Our any time comfort food!! Looks sooo good.
Tanvi@SinfullySpicy recently posted..Methi Aloo – Fenugreek Leaves With Potatoes
Thanks Tanvi 🙂
Beautiful snaps Kiran!!! Loved the pans used for serving. Where do you get all these beautiful props from? I can imagine your collection 🙂 Yes tadka dal is something that gets ready in a jiffy and pressure cooker is the time saver there.
Shibi@FlavzCorner recently posted..Homemade Chunky Apple Sauce With Cinnamon
Shibi — thanks so much! i love visiting local antique stores, especially whenever I travel and these are some of my treasured possessions 🙂
just look at that color. so vibrant and beautiful. No doubt this soup would win me over. it looks delicious
Kitchen Belleicious recently posted..3 Easy Kid-Friendly Halloween Recipes
Thanks Jessica! 🙂
A pressure cooker is like the one kitchen gadget I don’t have! I totally need to get one!
This looks so comforting and perfect for this Fall weather!
And I’m loving those little pots and pans! SO cute!
Rachael | Spache the Spatula recently posted..My Pantry
Rachael — you need to! go get it, now 😀
Oh, a bowl for comfort food – I love it! The skies are gray and it finally feels like fall – this is just what I need! 🙂
Laura (Tutti Dolci) recently posted..pumpkin spice biscuits
Laura — total comfort food 🙂
This lentil soup is the ideal dish for Autumn and Winter as well. I love its vivid color.
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You recently posted..Spicy Tomato Soup Shots with Mini Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Thanks Denise!
Wow, sounds absolutely delicious, and the photos are goooorgeous!
Phi @ The Sweetphi Blog recently posted..Chicken Enchilada Flatbread
Thanks so much for visiting, Phi 🙂
I slave over hot pots but only because I haven’t invested in a pressure cooker. Perhaps it’s time I give in!
Sylvie | Gourmande in the Kitchen recently posted..Roasted Acorn Squash with Chermoula Sauce
Sylvie — oh yes, please? 🙂
That’s comfort food at its best! Love the last picture…
Thanks Rakhee 🙂
I love dal but haven’t made it in way too long – love the idea of using the pressure cooker – you’ve inspired me to make dal very soon!
Jeanette | Jeanette’s Healthy Living recently posted..How To Roast Garlic
Jeanette — thanks and please make some. soon 🙂
I really should get a pressure cooker for making dal and beans and things. It’d save tons of time. So I’d have more time to enjoy eating the dal I’d make! This looks great — love the pictures. Thanks.
John@Kitchen Riffs recently posted..Texas-Style Chili con Carne
John — you really should! it pays for itself, in short term 🙂
I love the last shot. I love tadka dal, I usually add dry red chilies instead of the green ones. Nicely done.
honeywhatscooking recently posted..Fashion Friday – 10.10.14
Nisha — Thank you!! I usually add dried red chilies as well. Just thought to switch it up 🙂
The last photograph of daal is to die for, spectacular. love it! the colors so vibrant and comforting.
Simi Jois recently posted..Mixed Lentil Curry
Simi — aww, thank you 🙂
Tadka dal is my favourite.. Love the flavours.. and stunning photos! 🙂
Arpita@ The Gastronomic Bong recently posted..Crispy Prawn Cakes in Steamed Folded Buns w/ Spicy Sriracha Mayo
Arpita — thank you 🙂
So true about the pressure cooker Kiran. Can’t live without it! Beautiful photos..I want tadka dal for breakfast now. I am so pinning this!
Sugar et al. recently posted..Golden Apple Tart
Sonali — thank you so much! and i love the chocolate lassi. so tempting 🙂
Love my pressure cooker! This tempered lentil soup looks awesome, Kiran.
Angie@Angie’s Recipes recently posted..Pan Seared Tofu with Avocado Cashew Sauce
What did you do to make photos smokey? You must teach us how to take those smokey looking picture like last click!
Angie@Angie’s Recipes recently posted..Pan Seared Tofu with Avocado Cashew Sauce
I have used paintshop to filter the photo, but then the photo looked blurry, not smokey…LOL
Angie@Angie’s Recipes recently posted..Pan Seared Tofu with Avocado Cashew Sauce
We just had some dear friends move back to the States after five years in India. They convinced us that a pressure cooker was the way to go! This looks amazing!
Monet recently posted..Pear Butternut Squash Muffins
What a gorgeous colour in your dal! 😀
Delicious recipe and I love how it is a mix of dals in it!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Choc Chip Uru recently posted..Eat Drink Blog 2014: A Recap
I suspect these are going to become a must-have side dish in my house also! LOVE dal.
Joanne recently posted..North Indian-Spiced Roasted Sweet Potatoes
I LOVE dal tadka! It’s a staple in my house too, and we’re all about the pressure cooker as well 🙂
Medha @ Whisk & Shout recently posted..Mediterranean Israeli Couscous Salad
This soup sounds and looks delicious Kiran…perfect for the cold weather…beautiful shots as always.
Hope you are enjoying your week 😀
Your dal looks amazing Kiran,
Perfect comfort food!
Asmita recently posted..Pear, Apple And Cranberry Crisp
Lentils are among my comfort foods, and I really love your version here. PS: I´m from the “slaving over my pots” fraction, to answer your question 😉
Hello, this looks lovely. I do not have asafoetida though. Will it be the same without it?
This looks fabulous! And I love you pictures 🙂
Pictures are beautiful Kiran. Where do you get those rustic pans and plates..
I’ve been thinking about getting a pressure cooker but haven’t figured out which one to pick… if you have a recommendation, I’d love to know. 🙂 My mom used a pressure cooker but I am a bit scared by the sounds of pressure cooker releasing the air… so I was hesitant to even use it. Now I see lots of benefit as I don’t have time to stay around in the kitchen. 🙂 You always take beautiful pictures with gorgeous composition. So natural. 🙂
Nami | Just One Cookbook recently posted..Popovers with Strawberry Butter & Giveaway
This would go well with rice or freshly baked naan. Yum!
Raymund recently posted..Fish in Mushroom Cream Sauce
Dal is my comfort food. Your photos are stunning.
Lail | With A Spin recently posted..Fast and Fabulous Apricot Bites
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