🇮🇳 India · Food
Tadka Moong Dal
By eatmundo · August 3, 2026
🇮🇳 INAI-generated imageA wholesome and comforting staple of Indian households, this split yellow lentil dish is tempered with aromatic spices in ghee.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
Rinse 200g green gram lentils under cold water until clear, then soak for 15 minutes.
- 2
Boil the lentils in a pot with 700ml water and 1 tsp salt until soft and creamy, about 25 minutes.
- 3
In a small pan, heat 2 tbsp ghee over medium-high heat until it begins to shimmer.
- 4
Add 1 tsp mustard seeds, wait for them to crackle, then immediately add 3 dried red chilies.
- 5
Add 6 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until light gold, ensuring they don't burn.
- 6
Stir in 10 fresh curry leaves, allowing them to release their fragrance for 15 seconds.
- 7
Pour this hot tempering (tadka) directly over the cooked lentils and cover instantly to trap the aroma.
- 8
Gently fold the tadka into the dal before serving hot with steamed rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tadka Moong Dal?+
Tadka Moong Dal is an Indian lentil dish prepared with split green gram lentils tempered with ghee, garlic, mustard seeds, and dried red chilies. It is a staple component of daily meals in India, typically served alongside steamed rice or flatbreads like roti.
Can I use butter instead of ghee?+
Ghee adds a nutty, distinct flavor that is vital; butter will work but lacks the depth of the traditional tadka.
Should I peel the lentils?+
Yellow moong dal is typically skinless, but if using green whole moong, soaking is necessary for proper texture.
What if my garlic burns?+
Garlic bitterness ruins the dish. If it turns dark brown, start the tempering process over again.
Can I add onion to this?+
Adding thinly sliced onions to the tadka is a common variation that adds sweetness and texture.
🇮🇳 INAI-generated imageMundo Match
This dish doesn't have a strong Mundo Match yet — but here's the closest ingredient overlap we found across the world's cuisines.
