At Saagar, we believe that comfort food should be simple, wholesome, and full of flavor. One dish that perfectly represents this philosophy is moong dal tadka — a warm, nourishing lentil recipe that has been loved in Indian households for generations. Soft cooked lentils, aromatic spices, and a rich tempering bring this dish to life, making it a timeless classic on our restaurant menu.
Whether you’re searching for a light meal, a protein-rich option, or a traditional Indian dish that tastes just like home, this dal recipe is the perfect choice. Today, we’re sharing how to prepare our restaurant-style version so you can recreate the magic at home.
What Makes Moong Dal Tadka Special?
Dal is a staple of Indian cuisine, but moong dal tadka has a character of its own. It is lighter than many other lentil dishes, easy to digest, and packed with nutrients. When cooked with the right blend of spices and finished with a sizzling tadka, it becomes aromatic, comforting, and irresistibly flavorful.
Whether you call it green moong dal tadka, hara moong dal tadka, or simply moong dal ka tadka, the essence remains the same — simple ingredients cooked to perfection.
Ingredients Needed for Moong Dal Tadka
Here’s everything you need to prepare this dish at home:
For the Dal:
- 1 cup split yellow or green moong dal
- 3 cups water
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt to taste
- 1–2 green chilies (optional)
For the Tadka:
- 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 4–5 garlic cloves, sliced
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- 2 dried red chilies
- ½ teaspoon red chili powder
- Fresh coriander for garnish
This simple ingredient list keeps the dish healthy, light, and full of authentic Indian flavor.
Step-by-Step Moong Dal Tadka Recipe
Step 1: Wash and Cook the Dal
Rinse the dal thoroughly until water runs clear. Add it to a pot with water, turmeric, tomatoes, onions, and green chilies. Simmer until the dal becomes soft and creamy. Add salt once the dal is cooked.
Step 2: Prepare the Tadka
In a small pan, heat ghee or oil. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add sliced garlic and sauté until golden. Mix in asafoetida, dried red chilies, and red chili powder. Turn off the heat once aromatic.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Pour the hot tadka over the cooked dal and stir gently. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Your delicious moong dal tadka is ready to serve!
Why This Dal Is Loved at Saagar
Visitors at Saagar appreciate this dish for its balance of nutrition and flavor. Moong dal is naturally high in protein, low in fat, and easy on the stomach — making it ideal for lunch, dinner, or even after a long travel day.
The tadka adds the final magic touch: the crackling cumin, the aroma of garlic, and the warmth of ghee transform the dal from simple to extraordinary. Pairing it with fresh rice or soft rotis makes it a complete and comforting meal.
Healthy Benefits of Moong Dal
Moong dal is known as one of the healthiest lentils:
- Excellent source of plant protein
- Helps in digestion
- Provides essential minerals like magnesium and potassium
- Supports weight management
- Naturally gluten-free
This is why dishes like green moong dal tadka are recommended by nutritionists for everyday meals.
Serving Suggestions
This dal pairs beautifully with:
- Steamed rice
- Jeera rice
- Roti or chapati
- Garlic naan
- Steamed vegetables
Many customers also enjoy it with a side of pickles, salad, and yogurt for a balanced Indian meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How to make green moong dal tadka easily?
Cook the dal with basic spices and finish it with a flavor-packed tadka of cumin, garlic, and red chili.
Q2: Does moong dal tadka taste good with rice?
Yes! It tastes excellent with steamed rice and jeera rice because of its light and comforting texture.
Q3: How to cook moong dal tadka?
Boil dal until soft, then add a hot tempering made with ghee and spices for added flavor.
Q4: How to fry moong dal tadka?
The “frying” refers to preparing the tadka — heat ghee, fry garlic, cumin, and spices, then pour over dal.
Q5: How to make moong dal tadka in Hindi?
Moong dal ko achhe se dhokar paani, haldi aur tamatar ke saath pakayein. Phir jeera, lahsun aur mirch ka tadka banakar dal par daal dein.