Name: Tadka Dhal
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 hr
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups dried toor dhal (yellow lentils/yellow split peas), rinsed in several changes of water; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; 2 black cardamom pods (optional); 3 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 cinnamon sticks; 4 green cardamom pods; 6 cloves; 2 teaspoons black mustard seeds; 1 teaspoon cumin seeds; 2 scallions, finely sliced; 2–3 chiles, any color, seeded if you don’t like it fiery, some chopped and the rest left whole; 2 fat cloves garlic, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon peeled and finely chopped fresh ginger; 6 cherry tomatoes, cut in half; Good pinch of sea salt, or to taste; 1 teaspoon sugar, or to taste; Juice of 1/2 lemon, or to taste; Lots of chopped cilantro, to garnish

Image may contain Food Meal Dish and Plant

Photo by Martin Poole

This is probably the most famous lentil dish coming out of India—yellow lentils tempered with spices and the usual holy trinity of garlic, ginger and chile. It has always been a favorite of mine and it would grace our family dinner table at least once a week when I was growing up. There are lots of different recipes for flavoring the oil (tadka), so play around with your spice pantry and see what you come up with. If you don’t have half of these spices, then don’t worry; just add a tablespoon of your favorite spice paste and it will taste just as delicious.

Recipe notes

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

31 Turmeric Recipes to Brighten Your Nights
Like a cozy dal, a golden hot toddy, and an antioxidant-rich chicken soup.
103 of Our Best Vegan Recipes
You’ll love these meat-free, dairy-free dishes—whether you’re vegan or just looking to eat a bit more sustainably.
31 Dinner Recipes to Help You Eat Less Meat and Dairy
It's easy (or at least easier) to eat mostly plants when all the good stuff's at the market. But what about when it's cold out?
71 Vegetarian Dishes That Are Packed With Protein
Made with beans, tofu, and plenty of greens, these vegetarian recipes are full of good-for-you protein.
What to Cook This Weekend: June 22–24
Taste the rainbow.
47 Incredible Indian Recipes
Indian food is as vast and varied as the subcontinent itself; these 47 recipes are just a starting point.
11 Vegan-ish Stews for Meatless Mondays
And any other day of the week, really.
How to Build and Take Care of the Essential Indian Pantry
An expert shares the seven spices you need to make any dish and one spice blend you should throw away right now.
6 Cold Weather Recipes to Simmer and Stew this Weekend
Poach, simmer, and stew your way through this weekend with these comforting and internationally inspired recipes.