Masoor Dal Tadka Recipe | Dhaba Style Dal Tadka At Home

Masoor Dal Takda is a recipe that is made in a very easy way, like all dals, like Dal Tadka or Palak Dal, and can be made in just 25 minutes. It does not require many ingredients. Just minimal ingredients and spices, and your Dhaba-style Masoor Dal Tadka is ready. You can also make it Dhaba style with the same taste and earthy flavor. 

You must also try this recipe and can make it Dhaba style at home in an easy way with tips and tricks. 

What is Masoor Dal Tadka? 

Masoor Dal is one of the most common dals, which is made in every household. It is high in protein and gets cooked faster as compared to dure dal. 

And the flavor of ghee, garlic, or spices that is added to it makes Masoor Dal Dhaba-Style. You can pair it with jeera rice, steamed rice, paratha, or pulao. 

Tadka plays an important role. The tempering of spices in hot ghee or oil converts a simple dal into Dhaba-style. 

Ingredients You’ll Need

For dal:

• 1 cup Masoor dal (red lentils)

• 3 cups of water

• 1 medium-sized onion (finely chopped)

• 2 medium tomatoes (finely chopped)

• 2-3 green chillies (split)

• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste 

• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder 

• 1/2 tbsp red chili powder 

• 1 tsp coriander powder 

• Salt to taste 

For tadka: 

• 2 tbsp ghee or oil

• 1 tsp cumin seeds 

• 4-5 garlic cloves (sliced)

• 2 dry red chillies 

• A pinch of hing

• 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder 

• 1 tsp chopped coriander leaves 

How to Make Masoor Dal Tadka (Step-by-Step) 

Step 1: Wash and Cook the Dal:

• Take 1 cup of masoor dal and wash it 2-3 times in the pan until the water becomes clear. 

• In a pressure cooker, add 1 cup, turmeric powder, and salt. 

• Then cook it on medium flame for 2-3 whistles until the dal becomes soft and mushy. 

• Once the lentils are cooked, lightly mash them with the help of a spoon. It gives a creamy and smooth texture to the dal. 

Step 2: Prepare the Base: 

• Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan. 

• Then add chopped onion and sauté till it turns golden brown. 

• Then add ginger-garlic paste to it and sauté till it smells bad. 

• Then add chopped tomatoes and cook until the tomatoes become soft and the oil starts separating from the pan. 

• Simultaneously add coriander powder and red chili powder and mix. 

Step 3: Mix Dal and Masala: 

• Then add the cooked lentils to the onion and tomato masala. 

• Mix well and add water if required to adjust the consistency. 

• Let the lentils simmer on low flame for 5-10 minutes until the spices' flavors get mixed with the lentils. 

Step 4: Prepare the Dhaba-Style Tadka: 

• Heat 2 tbsp oil in a small pan. 

• Then add cumin seeds and let them sizzle. 

• Then add garlic cloves or try golden honey, then add dry red chili, hing, and Kashmiri red chili powder, or turn off the flame. 

• Then add the tadka to the dal and enjoy this restaurant-style dal taste. 

Step 5: Garnish and Serve: 

• Add chopped coriander leaves. 

• And serve with jeera rice, plain rice, paratha, or roti. 

Serving Suggestions :

Masoor Dal Tadka tastes best with: 

• Steamed Basmati Rice

• Jeera Rice

• Tandoori Roti

• Garlic Naan

• Boondi Raita or Plain Yogurt 

Pro Tips & Tricks for Perfect Dal Tadka: 

1. Use Ghee for Tadka: Nothing beats the aroma of ghee; for the restaurant-style dish, don't skip the ghee. 

2. Smoky Flavor Hack: For smoky flavor, put the hot charcoal piece in a bowl over the dal, add 1 tbsp of ghee, and cover it for 1 minute. 

3. Consistency Control: For thick dal, cook dal a little longer, and for soupy dal, add some water. 

4. Spice Level: you can adjust the spice level according to your taste. 

5. Add Kasuri Methi: a small piece to enhance the restaurant-style flavor. 

6. Tadka Timing: Always add Kashmiri red chili powder after turning off the ghee flame; it gives color without a bitter taste. 

7. Double Tadka Magic: Add tadka before serving for extra aroma.

Nutritional Benefits of Masoor Dal 

• Nutrient Benefit

• Protein builds muscles & repairs tissues.

• Iron helps prevent anemia.

• Fiber aids digestion.

• Folate supports brain function.

• Antioxidants boost immunity. 

Masoor dal is not just delicious—it’s a superfood for vegetarians and health-conscious eaters.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1. Can I make Masoor Dal Tadka without a pressure cooker? 

Absolutely, you can cook the dal in a covered pan for 20-25 minutes until it becomes soft. 

Q2. Can I use other dals with masoor dal?

Yes, mix masoor dal, moong dal, and toor dal for a rich flavor. 

Q3. Can I skip onions and garlic? 

Yes, for the satvic version, skip the onion and garlic. 

Q4. How long can I store Masoor Dal?

It can stay fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator; just reheat before serving. 

Final Thoughts:

Masoor dal tadka is a very easy dish that you can make anytime and make your family happy. You must try the recipe that I have shared with you; it is very easy and delicious. And try some different recipes and make your family happy. 

If you liked this recipe, then do try it and do comment on my blog.

Happy cooking !