Origin Simple Dal Tadka Recipe with Dhaba Flavor

Dal Tadka is a North Indian staple, often found simmering in large pots at roadside dhabas. Its signature comes from the aromatic tempering (tadka) poured over cooked lentils.

What I Love About This Recipe

The tadka makes all the difference—infusing simple lentils with deep, smoky, spicy flavors. It’s an easy way to enjoy restaurant-style taste at home with minimal ingredients.

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Simple Dal Tadka Recipe with Dhaba Flavor

Recipe by RecipesVillaCourse: Main Course, Side DishCuisine: IndianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

250

kcal

A soulful, spiced lentil dish inspired by roadside dhabas—this simple dal tadka combines aromatic tempering with hearty lentils for a comforting, flavorful meal that pairs perfectly with rice or roti.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons ghee or oil

• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

• 4–5 garlic cloves, sliced

• 1 dried red chili

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 small tomato, chopped

• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder

• 1/4 teaspoon garam masala

• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

• Pinch of asafoetida (hing), optional

• 1/2 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas)

• 1/4 cup moong dal (optional, for creaminess)

• 2 cups water

• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder

• Salt to taste

Directions

• Wash and pressure cook dal with turmeric and salt for 3–4 whistles, or until soft. Mash lightly.
• In a pan, heat ghee. Add cumin seeds, let them crackle.
• Add garlic, red chili, and a pinch of hing. Sauté till garlic turns golden.
• Add onion and cook until soft.
• Stir in tomato and cook till it breaks down.
• Add chili powder and garam masala. Mix well.
• Pour this tadka over the cooked dal and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
• Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot.

Notes

• You can smoke the dal using the dhungar method (charcoal smoke trapped with a lid) for an authentic dhaba-style touch.

Origin Tomato Shorba / Indian Tomato Soup in Instant Pot

Tomato Shorba is a traditional Indian soup, often served in Mughlai and North Indian cuisine. The combination of fresh tomatoes and spices creates a tangy and slightly spiced base, perfect for warming up on chilly days.

What I Love About This Recipe

It’s warm, comforting, and full of rich, tangy flavors. The Instant Pot makes it super quick and easy, and the blend of spices creates a soul-soothing bowl of soup that’s both healthy and delicious.

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Tomato Shorba / Indian Tomato Soup in Instant Pot

Recipe by RecipeWikki

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

120

kcal

Ingredients

• 4 large tomatoes, chopped

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste

• 1 tbsp ghee or oil

• 1 tsp cumin seeds

• 1 tsp coriander powder

• ½ tsp turmeric powder

• ½ tsp red chili powder

• 4 cups water or vegetable stock

• Salt to taste

• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Directions

• Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat ghee or oil.
• Add cumin seeds and sauté until they splutter.
• Add chopped onions and ginger-garlic paste; sauté until onions turn soft.
• Add chopped tomatoes, coriander powder, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Sauté for a minute.
• Add water or vegetable stock and stir to combine.
• Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual mode for 5 minutes on high pressure.
• Once done, release the pressure and blend the soup until smooth.
• Stir in lemon juice and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
• Serve hot with crusty bread or a side of your choice.

Notes

• For a creamier version, add a splash of cream or milk after blending.
• Add a pinch of garam masala or roasted cumin powder for extra flavor.
• Can be served with a dollop of yogurt for added richness.