Yellow Dal Tadka with Mustard Seeds

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A simple, aromatic lentil stew simmered with warming spices and finished with a tempering of mustard seeds for depth. This Indian recipe, ready in about 50 minutes, pairs split yellow lentils, water, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse lentils under cold water until water runs clear, then add to a pot with 4 cups water, turmeric, and salt. Bring to a rolling boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender and water has reduced slightly.
  2. Step 2: While lentils simmer, heat neutral oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and cook for 1 minute until they begin to pop. Add onion, ginger, and garlic, and sauté for 5 minutes until onions are translucent and golden.
  3. Step 3: Stir cooked onion mixture into lentils, add cumin, and simmer for 5 more minutes. Stir in cilantro just before serving. The dal should have a thick, spoonable consistency.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Yellow Dal Tadka with Mustard Seeds take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 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 Yellow 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 split yellow lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Yellow 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 Yellow 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.

What goes well with Yellow Dal Tadka with Mustard Seeds?

Indian indian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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