Classic Lentil Tarka Daal

3simple
steps
5mins

This is probably the most cooked dish in India as it is a healthy source of vegetarian protein and is very satisfying. These buttery lentils are lifted with warming spices, zingy ginger, savoury garlic, and tangy tomatoes.

Contains a whole spice pouch, a "tarka" spiced sauce and cooked lentils

Serves 2-3
No Nasties
Vegetarian
Mild
Plant Powered

‘Tarka daal’ is a staple across most Indian homes and is the most popular lentil curry in North India. The word ‘tarka’ refers to the cooking of spices and flavours, which are added to the cooked lentils. Our Classic Lentil Tarka Daal has a buttery smoothness that is elevated with the addition of caramelised onions, rich tangy tomatoes, zingy ginger, garlic and carefully selected Indian spices.

This daal is perfect for a fuss-free, 5-minute meal with rice or naans, but is also really versatile and makes the base for a range of delicious healthy dishes for the more adventurous cook. Taking inspiration from our recipe pages, you can transform it into comforting soups, crispy lentil cakes kedgeree and much more. It’s a fantastic meal to keep on hand in your cupboard for busy days. Perfect for vegetarians or meat-free days.

Information

Anjum’s Top Tips

Fry the whole spices in 1-2 tsp of hot oil (or ghee) until sizzling

Stir in the tarka sauce (the small pouch) and bring to a simmer

Add the lentils and 4-5 tbsp water, bring to a simmer… then serve!

OUR PERFECT Classic Lentil Tarka Daal

A few simple ideas to tailor the Classic Lentil Daal to suit your mood and taste:

Add two pierced whole green chillies in with the spices for added flavour

Stir in a large handful of bushy spinach

For special occasion, add a knob of butter

WHAT'S INSIDE

Water, Lentils (22%) (Bengal Gram (13.5%) Red Lentils (8.5%)), Tomatoes, Onions, Sunflower Oil, Garlic, Salt, Spices, Ginger Paste, Cumin Seeds, Turmeric Powder, MUSTARD.

FOR ALLERGENS SEE INGREDIENTS IN BOLD.

MAY CONTAIN TRACES OF MILK, NUTS, SESAME, PEANUTS, CELERY, SULPHITES,GLUTEN & SOYA.

TYPICAL VALUES

	PER 100g
ENERGY	421kJ/100kcal
FAT	3.1g
of which saturates	0.3g
CARBOHYDRATES	11g
of which sugars	1.2g
FIBRE	3.6g
PROTEIN	5.4g
SALT	0.87g

The spice mix

Whole red chilli for clean heat
Cumin seeds for earthy depth
Dry curry leaves for aromatic warmth
Black mustard seeds for a nutty note

I have tried all your daals and love them. For once, a meal pack that is restaurant quality; not only easy to make but delicious every time. I used to say the best thing I can make for dinner is a reservation. Now I just grab your daal packs from my pantry and dinner is served in 5 minutes.

- Vanessa Frewin

The creaminess of the lentils [in your Classic Lentil Tarka Daal] infused with the soft heat of the chillies and mustard seed and the velvety tang of the tomatoes and onions made me realize just how good lentils can be. Once again, I thank you for allowing me the pleasure of your food.

- Paul from Rochdale

I just wanted to thank you for the very delicious Classic Tarka Daal. I had it for dinner last night and found it was delicious. I was born in Lahore and Punjabi food is food for my soul. The daal tasted lovely and authentic.

- Mil