A total explosion of flavour; this Red Lentil Dahl recipe is about to become your go-to winter warmer. Nothing says comfort food quite like a thick and creamy lentil dahl, packed with warm savoury spices and topped with deliciously crispy tofu.
100% natural, plant based ingredients. No starchy thickeners or over processed rubbish. Just pure whole-food magic!
What is a Tarka Dahl?
The queen of all dahls; Tarka Daal is a total explosion of warm flavours. Typically made using dried split lentils, and a blend of savoury spices. It’s rich and comforting, and my version is made with split red lentils for a thick, satisfying dahl. This is the perfect recipe to warm your soul and cure those winter blues.
The ‘Tarka’ refers to the spice infused oil that is stirred through the dahl at the end, adding a whole new level of flavour. I’ve chosen sizzled cumin and mustard seeds for my Tarka, along with garlic, ginger, chilli and curry leaves for a total flavour bomb. Trust me guys, you are going to want lashings of this stuff! That crispy garlic is just out of this world.
Tofu Topping
You guys know the drill by now; I’m not a fan of adding flours or starches to tofu. I think the best things in life come naturally, and that also applies to tofu. You really don’t need to add any rubbishy coatings to get that deliciously crispy texture. Just choose a good extra firm tofu (my faves are Tofoo and Taifun), press it tofu well and bake in a hot oven.
Feel good recipe
Not only is this tarka dahl recipe a total party for your taste buds, but it’s also a recipe you can feel good about. Lentils are a fantastic source of affordable and plant based protein, and they’re also rich in fibre, energising iron and vitamin B1, to keep you bright and bushy tailed.
If you’d like some greens you can also thrown in some spinach to this recipe, for an easy boost of anti-oxidants, alongside those natural healthy fats from the coconut milk. You’ll be absolutely glowing after a bowl of this for dinner.
Not only does this recipe have that healthy feel good factor, but by choosing plant based you’re doing good too. The ingredients in this recipe emit less greenhouse gas emissions, and lentils are one of the most environmentally sustainable ingredients you can buy. Tastes good, does good, feels good…what more do you need?
Crispy Tofu Tarka Dahl
iNGREDIENTS
- 1 XL packet extra firm tofu, drained + pressed
- 1.5 cups split red lentils, rinsed + drained
- 1 tin coconut milk (400ml)
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp kashmiri chilli powder
- 1 tsp ground corriander
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- Optional 1 medium tomato, finely diced or 1 tbsp tomato puree
- 1 / 4 - 1/2 cup stock
- 3/4 - 1 tsp salt
- Handful of frozen spinach or kale or 2 handfuls of fresh (optional)
TARKA
- 2 tbsp light olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tbsp cumin seeds
- 1 tbsp black mustard seeds
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled + thinly sliced into matchsticks
- 1 finger green chilli, halved
- 10 fresh curry leaves
TO SERVE
- 2 tbsp fresh coriander, finely chopped
- Fresh lime
Method
DAHL
- Preheat the oven to 200C / 180 fan.
- Add the tofu to a greaseproof lined baking tray. Option to drizzle with olive oil or toasted sesame oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Roast for 25 - 35 minutes, turning once until golden and crisp. Cooking times will vary depending on the brand used.
- Heat the oil in non-stick saucepan and saute the onion for 4 - 5 minutes until slightly golden. Add spices, red lentils, coconut milk, stock (starting with the smaller amount and adding more as it cookes if needed, tomato (if using) and salt. Bring to the boil and then simmer on a low heat for 15 minutes or unil thick. Stir through the optional spinach to wilt.
TARKA
- Heat the oil in a clean pan. Add the cumin and mustard seeds and cook for 1 minute on a medium heat until they sizzle. Add the gralic, ginger, chilli and curry leaves and cook for 1 - 2 more mins on a medium/ low heat until the garlic is golden.
TO SERVE
- Serve the dahl in bowls and top / stir through the tarka. This is where the flavour happens! Adjust seasoning to taste and top with crispy tofu, fresh coriander and lime.
Nutrition (per serving)
