Dal is little more than cheap lentils and pantry spices, so the ghee and the freshness of your whole spices are what push it from forgettable to something you remember. The finishing tadka does the heavy lifting. Bloom cumin seeds and garlic in hot ghee until they sizzle and darken, then pour it over the cooked dal so the aroma hits raw and loud.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep10 min
Cook35 min
Makes4 servings
CuisineIndian
Cost$$
VegetarianGluten-free
Contains dairy
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for4servings
Red lentils
Masoor dal breaks down into a creamy porridge in about 25 minutes; no soaking needed.
Simmer lentilsBoil lentils with turmeric, ginger, and salt in plenty of water, skimming foam. Cook 25 minutes until they collapse into a loose porridge.
AdjustWhisk the dal smooth and thin with hot water to the consistency you want; it thickens as it sits.
Make tadkaHeat ghee until shimmering, add cumin seeds and dried chiles until they crackle, then sliced garlic until golden. Watch it, this takes under a minute.
FinishPour the sizzling tadka over the dal and stir it through. Top with cilantro and serve with rice or naan.
Can you make Dal in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert
Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.
Can you freeze Dal? — Yes
Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can you make Dal ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Is Dal gluten-free? — Yes
Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.
Is Dal vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan
It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
Community Notes
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