Red Lentil Dal Tadka
Estimated $2.55 recipe · $1.27 per serving (US / USD)
Comforting red lentil dal finished with a sizzling cumin-garlic tempering.
The recipe
Red Lentil Dal Tadka
Comforting red lentil dal finished with a sizzling cumin-garlic tempering.
Ingredients
- 180g red lentils
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, sliced
- 1 tbsp ginger
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh coriander
Estimated recipe cost
$2.55 for 2 servings · $1.27 per serving
US grocery planning estimate in USD. Includes the amounts used from the listed ingredients, including pantry items. Prices and portion weights vary.
Ingredient-by-ingredient breakdown
| Ingredient & price basis | Cost used |
|---|---|
| 180g red lentilsPlanning assumption · $1.92 / 454 g · Uses 180g | $0.76 |
| 1 onion, choppedRetail benchmark · $2.84 / 1361 g · Retail reference · Assumes 150 g per item | $0.31 |
| 3 garlic cloves, slicedRetail benchmark · $0.72 / 30 g · Retail reference · Assumes 3 g per item/portion | $0.22 |
| 1 tbsp gingerPlanning assumption · $2.50 / 100 g · 1 tbsp ≈ 6g | $0.15 |
| 1 tsp turmericPlanning assumption · $2.00 / 60 g · 1 tsp ≈ 2.5g | $0.08 |
| 1 tsp cumin seedsPlanning assumption · $2.00 / 60 g · 1 tsp ≈ 2.5g | $0.08 |
| 1 tomato, choppedRetail benchmark · $2.22 / 454 g · Retail reference · Assumes 120 g per item | $0.59 |
| 1 tbsp olive oilRetail benchmark · $6.12 / 503 ml · Retail reference · 1 tbsp ≈ 15ml | $0.18 |
| Fresh corianderPlanning assumption · $1.00 / 28 g · Unspecified amount: assumes 5 g | $0.18 |
| Estimated total | $2.55 |
Retail references are representative products, not quotes for every variety. Other prices are editorial planning assumptions. Checked 9 October 2026; these are not live prices.
Price bases and quantity assumptions refer to the original recipe. Unspecified quantities use the assumptions shown above. Listed optional ingredients are included. Unlisted sides, extra seasoning, tax, energy and delivery are excluded. Buying full packages will cost more.
Instructions
- Rinse lentils, then simmer with turmeric, half the ginger and 600ml water for 18–20 min until soft.
- Stir in the chopped tomato and season with salt; mash lightly for a creamy texture.
- For the tadka, heat oil and sizzle cumin seeds, garlic and remaining ginger until golden.
- Pour the sizzling tempering over the dal and stir through.
- Finish with fresh coriander and serve with rice.
Recipe notes
A squeeze of lemon at the end lifts the whole bowl.
Estimated nutrition per serving
410 kcal · 20g protein. Values are estimates and vary with brands, substitutions and portions.
Recipe images may be AI-generated illustrations. Nutrition figures are estimates.