Vivek Singh's Tarka Dahl recipe with vegetables

Vivek Singh’s Vegetable Dahl Recipe

Renowned chef Vivek Singh brings us this iconic Indian dahl recipe, a cornerstone of The Cinnamon Club’s culinary excellence. With added vibrant vegetables, this dish transforms into a satisfying, nutrient-packed meal. Perfectly spiced and wholesome, it’s an easy way to enjoy Indian fine dining at home.

Ingredients

For the Lentils:

• 100g (½ cup) masoor dahl (red lentils), washed
• 100g (½ cup) moong dahl (yellow split mung beans), washed
• 1.2 litres water
• ½ tsp ground turmeric
• 2 tsp salt

For the Tadka (Spiced Tempering):

• 2 tbsp ghee or butter
• 2 whole dried red chillies
• Pinch of asafoetida (heeng)
• 2 tsp cumin seeds
• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp red chilli powder

Vegetables and Garnish:

• 2 medium white onions, chopped
• 2 yellow peppers, chopped into small chunks
• 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
• 2-inch piece of ginger, peeled and finely chopped
• 2 green chillies, chopped
• 2 tbsp coriander leaves, chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon

Method

1. Cook the Lentils:

• Wash lentils under cold running water and drain.
• In a large pot, combine lentils, water, turmeric, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30–40 minutes until the lentils disintegrate and blend together. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Tadka (Spiced Tempering):

• Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add dried red chillies, asafoetida, and cumin seeds. Let them crackle.
• Add garlic and cook until golden brown, then add onions and sauté until softened.

3. Add Vegetables:

• Stir in yellow peppers and cook for a minute.
• Add red chilli powder and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
• Add tomatoes and cook for 5–6 minutes over moderate heat until softened.

4. Combine and Season:

• Add ginger, green chillies, and coriander leaves to the vegetable mixture. Stir well, then pour it into the cooked lentils.
• Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, and finish with a squeeze of lemon juice.

5. Serve:

• Garnish with extra coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or naan for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Flavours: Created by a master of Indian cuisine, this dahl is rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.
• Hearty and Healthy: Packed with lentils and fresh vegetables for a protein-rich, nutritious meal.
• Versatile: Experiment with different types of lentils or veggies to suit your taste.

Pro Tip: Add a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of ghee before serving for an extra creamy finish.

Bring a taste of The Cinnamon Club to your kitchen with this elevated dahl recipe. Try it today for a comforting, flavourful meal that’s easy to make and hard to resist!