Stewed Gujarati Dal Tadka with Mustard Seeds
A comforting, spiced yellow lentil stew tempered with mustard seeds and asafoetida for an authentic Gujarati flavor. This indian-inspired vegetarian (indian vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs yellow moong dal, water, turmeric powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow moong dal
- 3 cups water
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp ghee
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- a pinch asafoetida (hing)
- 1 dried red chili
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup yellow moong dal under cold water until water runs clear, then combine with 3 cups water, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, and 1 tsp salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes until dal is tender and breaking apart.
- Step 2: While the dal cooks, heat 2 tbsp ghee in a small pan over medium heat. Add 1 tsp mustard seeds and wait until they begin to pop, then add 1 tsp cumin seeds, a pinch of asafoetida, and 1 dried red chili. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant and seeds turn golden.
- Step 3: Pour the tempering mixture into the cooked dal and stir well. Simmer the dal on low for another 5 minutes until the flavors meld and the dal thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander leaves before serving warm with steamed rice or flatbread.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Stewed Gujarati Dal Tadka with Mustard Seeds take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 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 Stewed Gujarati Dal Tadka 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 yellow moong dal from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stewed Gujarati Dal Tadka 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 Stewed Gujarati Dal Tadka 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 Stewed Gujarati Dal Tadka with Mustard Seeds indian vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged indian vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
