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20-Min Tomato Tadka Dal

Silky yellow lentils cooked with tomato and topped with a fragrant spice-infused oil. A one-pot Indian comfort bowl that tastes like it simmered for hours but comes together in 20 minutes.

Total time
20 min
Servings
4
Calories
198
Protein
14g
20-Min Tomato Tadka Dal
comfortwholesomeindianvegetarianvegangluten-freelentilscreamy

Ingredients

  • 1 cup yellow lentils (moong dal), rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) canned diced tomatoes
  • 3.5 cups water
  • 1 tbsp cumin seeds
  • ½ tsp dried red chile or kashmiri chili powder
  • ⅛ tsp asafetida (hing)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Add lentils, tomatoes with juice, and water to a heavy pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

  2. 2

    Reduce heat to medium and simmer until lentils break down and soup thickens, stirring occasionally, 12–14 minutes.

  3. 3

    Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well until the dal is creamy and smooth.

  4. 4

    Heat oil in a small skillet over medium until shimmering. Add cumin seeds and cook until fragrant and seeds turn golden, 60–90 seconds.

  5. 5

    Turn heat to low. Stir in chili powder and asafetida, cooking for 10 seconds until combined.

  6. 6

    Pour the hot oil and spices over the dal. Stir once and serve immediately in bowls.

Tools you’ll need

  • large heavy-bottomed pot with lid
  • small skillet
  • wooden spoon
  • ladle

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