Moong Dal Recipe | Moong Dal Tadka | Restaurant-Style Yellow Moong Dal

Moong Dal Recipe | Moong Dal Tadka | Restaurant-Style Yellow Moong Dal

Moong Dal Tadka is a comforting and nutritious dish that’s both simple to make and packed with flavor. Made from yellow moong dal (split yellow gram), this recipe is a staple in many Indian households and a crowd-pleaser at restaurants. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice cook, this restaurant-style moong dal tadka will elevate your meal with its rich taste and tempting aroma. Let’s dive into how you can make this wholesome dish right at home.

Ingredients:

For the Dal

• 1 cup yellow moong dal (split yellow gram)
• 3 cups water
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium tomato, finely chopped
• 1-2 green chilies, slit
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1-inch ginger, grated
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp ghee or oil (for a richer flavor, opt for ghee)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)

For the Tadka (tempering):

• 2 tbsp ghee or oil
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 2-3 dried red chilies
• 5-6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder (for color and mild heat)
• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
• 1 tsp garam masala (optional)
• Fresh coriander for garnish

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Moong Dal

1. Rinse the dal: Wash the yellow moong dal 2-3 times under running water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and dirt.
2. Cook the dal: In a pressure cooker or pot, add the washed dal, 3 cups of water, turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 2-3 whistles (or about 20 minutes in a regular pot) until the dal becomes soft and mushy.
3. Mash the dal: Once cooked, use a spoon or ladle to mash the dal slightly. This will give the dish a creamier consistency.

Step 2: Making the Base

1. Heat ghee or oil: In a large pan, heat 2 tbsp of ghee. Add cumin seeds, letting them sizzle.
2. Sauté aromatics: Add grated ginger, minced garlic, and slit green chilies. Sauté until the garlic turns golden brown and aromatic.
3. Add onions: Toss in the finely chopped onions and cook until they become soft and translucent.
4. Add tomatoes: Now, add the chopped tomatoes. Cook until the tomatoes break down and the oil starts to separate from the masala.
5. Combine with dal: Add the cooked and mashed dal to the pan. Stir everything together, adjusting the consistency with some water if needed. Simmer the dal for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Tadka (Tempering)

1. Prepare the tempering: In a small pan, heat 2 tbsp of ghee. Add cumin seeds, dried red chilies, and a pinch of asafoetida. Let the cumin seeds crackle.
2. Fry the garlic: Add thinly sliced garlic and cook until it turns golden and crispy.
3. Add chili powder: Switch off the heat and immediately add Kashmiri red chili powder. This adds a vibrant color and mild heat to the tadka.
4. Pour over dal: Pour this sizzling tadka over the dal and mix gently.

Step 4: Final Touch

• Garnish the dal with fresh coriander leaves and, if desired, sprinkle some garam masala on top for extra flavor.

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Tips for Perfect Moong Dal Tadka:

• Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the dal by adding water to your liking. For a restaurant-style finish, aim for a creamy yet slightly thick consistency.
• Ghee over Oil: If you can, use ghee instead of oil for the tempering. Ghee adds a depth of flavor and richness that enhances the taste.
• Slow Cooking: After adding the tempering, let the dal sit on a low flame for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• Make it Creamier: If you prefer a creamier dal, you can add a tablespoon of fresh cream or milk towards the end.

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Serving Suggestions:

Serve this flavorful moong dal tadka with steamed basmati rice, jeera rice, or naan. A side of pickle, papad, and salad makes for a perfect Indian meal!

This hearty and flavorful Moong Dal Tadka is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. It’s nutritious, quick, and absolutely delicious, with a balance of spices that make it restaurant-worthy. Enjoy!

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	210 kcal	10%
Protein	10 g	20%
Carbohydrates	30 g	10%
Dietary Fiber	7 g	28%
Fat	7 g	11%
Saturated Fat	2 g	10%
Cholesterol	10 mg	3%
Sodium	350 mg	15%
Potassium	500 mg	14%
Vitamin A	1000 IU	20%
Vitamin C	10 mg	12%
Calcium	50 mg	5%
Iron	2.5 mg	14%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.