Kavita Singhs Tardka Daal Recipes

TADKA DHAL

Steps:

• Gently boil the lentils in a large saucepan of cold water (around 4 cups will do) and stir in the turmeric and black cardamom pods (if using)-this will add a subtle smoky flavor. Allow to cook for around 45 minutes, or until the lentils have softened and started to break down. Skim off any foam that sits on the top and give the lentils a stir every now and again in case they begin to stick on the bottom. If they boil dry, add more water.
• Once the lentils have softened, turn down the heat and make the tadka. Gently heat the oil in a skillet and add the cinnamon sticks, green cardamom pods and cloves. When the cardamoms have turned white and the heads of the cloves have swollen, you are ready to stir in the mustard and cumin seeds. When they are sizzling, stir in the scallions, chiles, garlic and ginger.
• After a minute, stir through the tomatoes and turn off the heat. Pour the tadka into the dhal so that it floats on top. This is the traditional way to serve it, with the scented oil sitting on top, but I prefer to stir it through. Season with salt, sugar and lemon juice. Finally, stir through plenty of chopped cilantro and serve with some rice or fresh bread for the ultimate comfort food.

KAVITA SINGH'S TARDKA DAAL

Steps:

• Wash the daal (lentils) thoroughly. Place in a heavy bottomed pan with the water. Cook partially covered over medium heat until it reaches a boil. Stir frequently and skim off any froth that rises to the top.
• Add the salt, turmeric powder, ginger/garlic mix, and green chili. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the daal becomes soft and has a creamy consistency. Add water as necessary.
• Heat the cooking oil in a fry pan until it is quite hot.
• Add the cumin and mustard seeds to the oil. Fry briefly on high.
• Add the curry leaves and onion, cook a few more minutes.
• Add the tomato, chili powder and 1/2 the coriander leaves. Fry a few more minutes.
• Remove this onion-tomato mixture (the tardka) from the heat and pour over the daal. Sprinkle with the remaining coriander leaves.