Dal Tarka

Dal tarka combines two classic Indian preparations: dal, or lentil stew, and tarka, a mixture of spices and aromatics and the fat used to bloom them. The warm tarka is poured onto the dal as finishing touch, adding color and complex flavor and aroma to the creamy lentils. For this version, we use dried red lentils that cook quickly and readily break down to a coarse but velvety puree.