indian pub tadka daal recipe

Looking to recreate the flavors of a classic Indian desi pub at home? This Indian Pub Tadka Daal recipe delivers rich, comforting flavors with a smoky twist! Made with split lentils and tempered spices, this dish is simple yet packed with bold, authentic flavors, perfect for pairing with naan or rice.

indian pub tadka daal recipe

Indian desi Pub Tadka Daal is a comforting, protein-packed dish featuring lentils cooked to perfection and infused with a smoky blend of cumin, garlic, and other spices. This pub-style version of the traditional daal is ideal for a cozy, satisfying meal. Serve it alongside rice or flatbread for a true taste of India.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 44 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Indian

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

For the dal:

• 1 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas)
• 3 cups water
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp salt

For the base:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
• 1/2 tsp garam masala

For the tadka (tempering):

• 2 tbsp ghee or oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 dried red chili
• 1/4 tsp asafoetida (hing)
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder

For garnish:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lemon wedges

Instructions

 

• Wash the dal and cook it with water, turmeric, and salt in a pressure cooker for about 4 whistles or until soft.
• In a pan, heat oil and add cumin seeds. When they sizzle, add onions and sauté until golden.
• Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute.
• Add tomatoes and all the spices. Cook until tomatoes are soft and oil separates.
• Add the cooked dal and simmer for 10 minutes.
• For the tadka, heat ghee in a small pan. Add garlic, dried red chili, asafoetida, and cumin seeds. When they sizzle, add Kashmiri red chili powder and immediately pour over the dal.
• Garnish with cilantro and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

You can serve this dish with fresh naan (garlic naan is also lovely!) Chips (plain, masala or chilli chips are all highly recommended) and also don’t forget the sauces and chutneys that complete these desi indian pub meals. You can find the recipes for these sauces right here!

Keyword desi pub recipe, indian pub recipe, tadka daal

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