Dal is a term in the Indian subcontinent for dried, split pulses. Dal Tadka is one of the most famous dhal gravies of North India , especially Punjab. This is a simple gravy dish which goes along with anything, from tandoori breads to Seasoned Rice.

In this Instructable, I'll show you my way of easily cooking the Dal Tadka. Let's get cooking !!

Step 1: Ingredients

For this quick simple recipe you will need:
For the Dhal:

Split Pigeon Pea Lentils : 1 Cup.
Tomatoes : 2 (Medium Sized).
Onion : 1(Finely Chopped).
Green Chilies : 3.
Turmeric Powder : 1 Tsp.
Chili Powder.
Rock Salt.

Forthe Tadka:

Oil or Butter : 2 Tbsp.
Garlic Cloves: 4.
Red Dried Chili : 2.

Step 2: Prepping the Dhal

Before getting started with this simple recipe, saute the lentils on a heated pan without any oil. This is to remove any moisture content in the lentils. Also you will see the lentils turn shiny.

Step 3: Contents Into the Cooker

Now add 2 cups of water in a pressure cooker. The water must be twice the quantity of the Lentils. If you want the gravy to be more liquid, then add more water as you wish but remember to add salt accordingly.

Add the lentils into it. Feel free to drop a tea spoon of oil into it to avoid the from becoming sticky. After this add the tomatoes , and onions into the cooker.

After adding the tomatoes and onions, add the turmeric powder and chilies into it. Before closing the lid, add the rock salt according to your requirements. Also add in Red Chili Powder at this time.

Step 4: Cook It !!

Now after adding all the contents into the pressure cooker, close the lid and let it cook for about 4 to 5 whistles of the cooker. Once it is done, turn the flame off and let the pressure come down.

Step 5: Mash It

Once the pressure is set, Open up the lid and mash the dal well enough to break down the tomatoes and onions.

Now it's time to add the tadka.

Step 6: Add Tadka and Serve

Tadka means tempering the gravy. Add oil (or butter) into a small pan and heat it. Add cumin seeds and red chilies to the heated oil and fry them till they crackle. Also add in garlic cloves with the chilies.

Pour the tempering contents directly on to the dal and dal tadka is ready to be served. You can mix it or just leave it as it is.

Now Serve it Hot !!