Tarka Dal
MJ
Inspired by Madhur JaffreyMy Thermomix reimagining of their tarka dal
My Thermomix take on Madhur Jaffrey's tarka dal — creamy lentils with a sizzling spiced topping.
Madhur Jaffrey taught the world to cook Indian food at home. Her tarka dal is pure comfort — soft lentils finished with a fragrant tempered-spice topping. The Thermomix cooks the lentils hands-free.
Ingredients
- 🫘250 g red lentils, rinsed
- 💧800 g water
- 🌼1 tsp ground turmeric
- 🧂1 tsp salt
- 🫒For the tarka: 30 g ghee or oil
- 🧅1 brown onion, halved
- 🧄3 garlic cloves
- 🌼1 tsp cumin seeds
- 🌶️1 dried chilli
- 🍅1 tomato, quartered
Thermomix method
- Place the lentils, water, turmeric and salt in the bowl. Cook 20 min / 100°C / speed 1, basket on the lid. Blend 5 sec / speed 4 for a creamy dal, then pour into a serving bowl.
- For the tarka, place the onion and garlic in the bowl and chop 4 sec / speed 5.
- Add the ghee, cumin seeds, dried chilli and tomato and sauté 6 min / 120°C / speed 1.
- Stir the tarka through the dal and serve with rice or flatbread.
Aly's tips
- The tarka — tempered spices poured over at the end — is the soul of the dish.
- A squeeze of lemon and fresh coriander lift it beautifully.
Questions
Which lentils should I use?
Red lentils (masoor dal) cook fastest and go lovely and creamy.
Can I make it richer?
Stir a spoon of butter or coconut milk through at the end.
Want to cook this in minutes?
Every recipe here is made for the Thermomix. Get yours through me, or message me and I'll help you choose.
An independent Thermomix reinterpretation inspired by Madhur Jaffrey's tarka dal. Not affiliated with, authorised by or endorsed by Madhur Jaffrey or any publisher; the method here is Chef Aly's own. Speeds, times and temperatures are a guide — always check your own Thermomix model's manual and use your judgement, especially around hot liquids and food safety. This is independent content and is not official Thermomix content.
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