Dal Fry in Dhaba style

Desi Dhaba Style Dal (Dal Tadka / Dal Fry)

Ingredients

For Dal

• Toor dal (arhar) – 1 cup
  (you can also mix toor + chana dal)
• Water – 3 cups
• Turmeric powder – ½ tsp
• Salt – to taste

For Dhaba Tadka

• Ghee – 3–4 tbsp (don’t be shy 😉)
• Oil – 1 tbsp
• Onion – 1 large (finely chopped)
• Garlic – 8–10 cloves (finely chopped)
• Ginger – 1 tbsp (finely chopped)
• Green chili – 1–2 (slit)
• Tomato – 1 large (finely chopped)
• Red chili powder – 1–1½ tsp
• Coriander powder – 1½ tsp
• Garam masala – ½ tsp
• Kasuri methi – 1 tsp (crushed)
• Fresh coriander – for garnish
• Lemon juice – 1 tsp (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the dal

• Wash dal and pressure cook with water, turmeric, and salt for 4–5 whistles.
• Dal should be soft and slightly thick. Mash lightly.

2. Make dhaba-style masala

1. Heat ghee + oil in a heavy pan.
2. Add onions and sauté till deep golden brown.
3. Add garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté till fragrant.
4. Add tomatoes and cook till oil separates.

3. Add spices

• Add red chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala.
• Mix well on low heat.

4. Combine dal

• Add cooked dal to the masala.
• Add water if needed.
• Simmer on low flame for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Final dhaba touch

• Crush kasuri methi and add.
• Add fresh coriander and lemon juice.
• Add 1 tbsp ghee on top before serving.

🔥 Optional Dhaba Smoky Flavor (Dhungar Method)

1. Heat a small piece of charcoal till red hot.
2. Place it in a steel bowl over the dal.
3. Add a little ghee on the coal.
4. Cover immediately for 2 minutes, then remove.

🍽️ Serve With

• Tandoori roti / butter naan
• Jeera rice
• Onion salad & green chutney

Dhaba Secret Tips

• Slow simmer = better taste
• Extra garlic = authentic dhaba flavor
• Ghee is non-negotiable 😄