Curries and Dals are the highlights of Indian Cuisines. I am sure that most of us must- have relished the food at Dhabas during a trip or during the highway breaks. Dhaba Style Dal Tadka or Dal Fry use to be one of our must-have items while ordering food at any or small eateries at the highways. There was something about that Dhaba Style Dal Tadka/Fry that it used to taste amazing with those crispy tandoori or simple steamed rice. I am a big fan of Dhaba style food and cooking. Trust me it can beat most restaurants when it comes to taste and flavors.
Dhaba Style Dal Tadka:
There are countless ways to cook lentils in India in every region and every household. One of the most common ones is Dal fry or Dal Tadka made using dal, also known as dal/tur dal or yellow pigeon pea. Basically, the tempering brings out the difference. Dal is the most common and regular delicacy in every household as it takes care of day to day protein requirement especially, for vegetarians. I have used only Tur Dal but a mixture of Moong Dal or Masoor Dal can be used too.
24 Mantra Organic Tur Dal and Why it is better:
The term “Organic” is not new now. Organic farming is growing the without the use of harmful pesticides or chemicals in a natural way. I am using the Tur Dal from 24 Mantra Organic to prepare this Dhaba Style Dal Fry. I have used their other products and loved them so decided to switch to this Organic Dal too. The Dal not only tastes good, but the fact that it is organic makes it even healthier. The 24 Mantra Organic dals are pesticide free and non-GMO.
It is quite frightening to know that the dals we eat every day are one of the most frequently adulterated foods. The Arhar or Tur dal is adulterated with sand, marble chips, stones or metanil yellow to make it look shiny and yellow. Unlike the shiny yellow and polished dals available in the market, the 24 Organic mantra Tur dal is not polished, which ensures the natural goodness and the nutrition is preserved. They grow the dal naturally in the regions which have the best suited climatic condition for the cultivation. The 24 mantra organic dals are smaller in size, rounder in shape and have a dull and rough texture. Organic dals are more fibrous and nutritious.
Do check out their range of products and more about organic farming. I am sure you will love them too. You might find the recipe of Chana Dal Fara/Pitha interesting. Now, time to jump to the Dhaba Style Dal Fry Recipe:
Dhaba Style Dal Tadka
Ingredients
- 1 cup 24 Mantra Organic Arhar/Tur Dal
- 1 Onion Medium Chopped
- 2 Tomatoes Medium Chopped
- 1 Green Chilly
- 2 Garlic cloves
- 1 Tsp Cumin Seeds
- 1 Tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1/2 Tsp Coriander Powder
- 1/2 Tsp Red Chilly Powder
- 1/2 Tsp Garam Masala
- 3 Tsp Ghee or Butter
Instructions
- 1.) Wash Dal and soak it in water for 15 minutes.
- 2.) Pressure cook Dal with tomatoes, green chilly, ginger, salt, turmeric powder, and some ghee.
- 3.) Prepare the first tadka/tempering: Heat ghee in a pan and add cumin seeds and allow it to crackle then add chopped onion.
- 4.) Saute for 2-3 minutes, now add chopped garlic.
- 5.) Add Coriander powder, garam masala, red chilly powder and saute it for 1-2 minutes.
- 6.) Add the tempering to the cooked dal and mix well together.
- 7.) Prepare the second tempering: Heat ghee in a pan and add asafoetida.
- 8.) Add the dry red chilly and red chilly powder.
- 9.) Add it to the prepared dal and serve hot with rice or roti.
- 10. ) Enjoy