Padma Lakshmi’s Tadka Dal Recipe
If there’s one thing that instantly transports me to the streets of India, it’s the delicious aroma of Tadka Dal. This traditional Indian dish is a staple in every household, and each family has its own unique way of making it. But today, we’ll be taking a look at Padma Lakshmi’s Tadka Dal recipe, which is not only easy to follow, but also packed with flavor and nutrition.
For those who may not know, Padma Lakshmi is a renowned Indian-American author, actress, and television host. She is also a champion of promoting and preserving traditional Indian cuisine. Her Tadka Dal recipe is a perfect example of how she combines her love for food and culture.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup yellow split peas (Toor Dal)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-inch ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- Salt to taste
- 3 tablespoons ghee or oil
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Start by washing the yellow split peas (Toor dal) thoroughly. Then, in a deep pot, add 3 cups of water and the dal. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, until the dal is cooked and becomes soft. You can also use a pressure cooker for this step to save time.
2. In a separate pan, heat the ghee or oil over medium-high heat. Add the cumin and mustard seeds and let them splutter for a few seconds.
3. Then, add in the finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns golden brown.
4. Add in the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for a few more minutes until they are fragrant.
5. Next, add in the diced tomatoes and cook until they are soft and mushy.
6. Now, it’s time to add in the spices – turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Give it a good stir and cook for another minute.
7. By now, the dal would have cooked fully. Add it to the pan with the onion and tomato mixture. If the dal is too thick, you can add some water to adjust the consistency.
8. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes so that all the flavors blend together. You can also add salt at this stage, according to your taste.
9. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or naan bread.
And there you have it, Padma Lakshmi’s Tadka Dal is ready to be enjoyed!
One of the things I love about this recipe is that it can be easily customized to suit your taste buds. You can choose to add more or less of the spices, or even add in some vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or spinach. It’s a versatile dish that can be made with ingredients easily found in any pantry.
Apart from being delicious and easy to make, this Tadka Dal recipe has numerous health benefits as well. Split peas are a great source of plant-based protein and are also rich in fiber, making it an excellent option for vegetarians and vegans. The combination of spices used in this recipe not only add flavor but also have anti-inflammatory properties and aid in digestion.
In many Indian households, Tadka Dal is enjoyed as a comfort food and is also served as a part of the main course during festivals and special occasions. It’s a dish that brings people together and creates a sense of nostalgia for many. And now, with Padma Lakshmi’s easy-to-follow recipe, you too can enjoy this traditional Indian dish in the comfort of your own home.
Step outside of your comfort zone and try something new:
I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the burst of flavors and culture in every bite. And who knows, it may even inspire you to explore more traditional