Tarka Dhal

 TARKA DHAL. When we think of Indian cuisine, the first dish that comes to mind is dhal. Our wonderful Tarka Dhal is our homage to this staple meal. It’s super simple and seriously tasty!

Serves 4

🌿 vegetable oil
🌿 1 onion, peeled + finely chopped
🌿 320g (11.3oz) red lentils, rinsed
🌿 2 tsp turmeric
🌿 2 tsp ground coriander
🌿 salt + pepper
🌿 8 garlic cloves, peeled + sliced
🌿 8 green chillies
🌿 2 tsp cumin seeds
🌿 1/2 tsp fennel seeds
🌿 2 tsp black mustard seeds
🌿 1 thumb of fresh ginger, peeled + chopped
🌿 1 small handful of fresh coriander (optional)
🌿 cooked rice or Indian bread, to serve (optional)

Heat a little oil in a big pot on a medium heat. Once hot add the onion and fry for 8 minutes or until soft

Next, add the rinsed red lentils to the pot along with 1.5 litres (50fl.oz) of water, the turmeric, coriander and 1 teaspoon of salt

Stir, then bring to the boil. Next, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook with the lid on for 15 minutes

Remove the lid, reduce the heat and leave to cook on a low heat for the next few minutes while you make the tarka

Heat 6 tablespoons of oil in a frying pan on a medium-high heat. Once hot, add the garlic and fry for 1-2 minutes

Meanwhile, trim a tiny bit off the ends of the chillies to allow the heat to escape into the dhal

Next add the chillies to the oil along with the cumin seeds, fennel seeds, mustard seeds and ginger and fry for 1-2 minutes

Working quickly, add the oil mixture to the pot with the lentils. Stir to combine then simmer for 5 minutes or longer if you prefer your dhal to be a thicker consistency. Serve with chopped fresh coriander (optional).