Mung Dal Tarkari with Mustard Seeds

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fragrant lentil curry tempered with poppy seeds and cumin, simmered until creamy and served with steamed rice for a comforting weeknight meal. This indian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs mung dal, water, tablespoon ghee for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup rinsed mung dal with 1/2 cup water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 15-20 minutes until the dal is soft and mushy, stirring occasionally.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon ghee in a small skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds and let them pop for 30 seconds. Add 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida and stir for 5 seconds.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds and stir for 10 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 medium chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until golden.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 medium chopped tomatoes and 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, and cook for 5 minutes until the tomatoes break down and the oil separates.
  5. Step 5: Add the cooked dal (from step 1) along with 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir well and cook for 5 minutes on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1/4 cup fresh cilantro and cook for 1 minute. Serve hot with steamed rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Mung Dal Tarkari with Mustard Seeds take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Mung Dal Tarkari with Mustard Seeds?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep mung dal from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mung Dal Tarkari with Mustard Seeds?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Mung Dal Tarkari with Mustard Seeds for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Mung Dal Tarkari with Mustard Seeds vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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