Classic Toor Dal Tadka (Choti Dana)

Classic Toor Dal Tadka (Choti Dana)

by Pradeep Gupta on Apr 16, 2026

Why this works

Choti dana cooks faster and gives that smooth, homely dal everyone expects daily.


Ingredients

  • 1 cup Toor Dal (Choti Dana)
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 tomato (chopped)
  • 2 green chillies
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • Salt as per taste

For Tadka:

  • 1 tbsp ghee or oil
  • 1 tsp jeera
  • 3–4 garlic cloves (chopped)
  • 1 dry red chilli
  • Pinch of hing
  • Fresh coriander

Method

  1. Wash dal 2–3 times
  2. Pressure cook dal + water + turmeric + tomato (3 whistles)
  3. Mash lightly after cooking
  4. Heat ghee, add jeera → garlic → red chilli → hing
  5. Pour tadka over dal
  6. Add salt, garnish with coriander

Done. Simple, no drama.


Taste Result

  • Smooth texture
  • Light and comforting
  • Perfect for daily roti or rice

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