Classic Toor Dal Tadka (Choti Dana)

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