TARKA DHAL & HERBS

Crafted to perfection by Ontario's premier hot sauce company, our Tarka Dhal is a culinary masterpiece designed to complement any Indian menu flawlessly. Made with our Habanero & Herbs hot sauce and the finest ingredients, this savory dish boasts a harmonious blend of spices and lentils, creating a rich and aromatic sensation with every bite.
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NOTES

PREP TIME: 10 Minutes

COOK TIME: 45 Minutes

SERVES: 6

COMPLIMENTARY SAUCE: Habanero & Herbs

COOKING EQUIPMENT

  • Spatula
  • Medium-sized pot with lid
  • Large cast pan or any frying pan

INGREDIENTS FOR THE DAHL

  • 1 cup masoor dahl (Red Lentils)
  • 3 1/2 cups water plus more as needed
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp salt

INGREDIENTS FOR THE TARKA

  • 3 tbsp ghee/butter or avocado/coconut oil.
  • 1 onion diced fine
  • 2 Kashmiri chilies
  • 1 tsp mustard seed
  • 1 tsp cumin seed
  • 4 tbsp of Habanero & Herbs
  • 10 or so fresh curry leaves
  • 1 tsp dried methi – dried fenugreek leaves
  • 1 fresh tomato diced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice – about two wedges of a lemon
  • A couple pinches of cilantro chopped fine

INSTRUCTIONS

THE DAHL

  1. In a pot, combine masoor lentils, water, and turmeric.
  2. Bring the mixture to a lively simmer, leaving the pot uncovered to prevent boiling over.
  3. Once simmering, reduce heat to low and cover the pot.
  4. Cook lentils until they break down into a creamy consistency, approximately 40 minutes.
  5. Add salt to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.

THE TARKA

  1. Heat oil over medium heat in your frying pan.
  2. If using Kashmiri chilies, add them to the oil and cook until the edges begin to bubble.
  3. Flip the chilies and add mustard seeds and cumin seeds, frying briefly until they crackle and dance.
  4. Reduce heat slightly and add onions, cooking until translucent.
  5. Stir in green chilies, curry leaves, and methi, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
  6. Incorporate tomato paste or fresh tomatoes, cooking for 20-30 seconds.
  7. Add the tarka mixture to the prepared dahl, stirring thoroughly to combine.
  8. Adjust the consistency by adding a little water if desired.
  9. Mix in cilantro and lemon juice to taste.
  10. Adjust salt as needed, adding gradually to avoid over-seasoning.
  11. Serve and enjoy the flavorful lentil dahl with spicy tarka.

pairings

Tarka dal, a flavorful and nutritious lentil dish, pairs well with various accompaniments that complement its flavors and textures. Here are some options:

  1. Rice: Plain basmati rice or jeera (cumin) rice is a classic accompaniment that complements the flavors of tarka dal. You can also try brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option.
  2. Naan: Soft and fluffy naan bread is perfect for scooping up the dal. You can serve plain naan or try variations like garlic naan or butter naan.
  3. Roti/Chapati: These traditional Indian flatbreads are another excellent choice to serve with tarka dal. They are light and provide a nice contrast to the richness of the dal.
  4. Papadums: Crispy and thin lentil-based crackers, papadums add a delightful crunch to the meal. They can be roasted or fried before serving.
  5. Pickles/Chutneys: A side of tangy mango pickle or spicy green chutney can add an extra punch of flavor to your meal.
  6. Yogurt Raita: A cooling yogurt-based condiment like cucumber raita or mint raita can help balance the spiciness of the dal.
  7. Salad: A simple salad of fresh vegetables like cucumber, tomato, onion, and lettuce with a squeeze of lemon juice can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dal.
  8. Pakoras: Serve some crispy vegetable pakoras or onion bhajis on the side for a tasty appetizer or snack alongside the dal.
  9. Pickle: A small bowl of mixed pickle or lime pickle can add a tangy and spicy element to the meal.
  10. Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted or grilled vegetables, such as cauliflower, eggplant, or bell peppers, can provide additional flavor and texture to the meal while adding more nutrients.

Feel free to mix and match these accompaniments based on your preferences and what you have available.

Nutrition

Serving: 6 servings | Calories: 196 kcal
Carbohydrates: 23 g | Protein: 8 g
Fat: 8 g | Saturated Fat: 1 g
Sodium: 325 mg | Potassium: 347 mg
Fiber: 11 g | Sugar: 3 g
Vitamin A: 160 IU | Vitamin C: 41.2 mg
Calcium: 36 mg | Iron: 2.7 mg