Low Sodium Dal Tadka

Savor the comforting flavors of Indian cuisine with this Low Sodium Dal Tadka, a healthier twist on the classic recipe that doesn’t compromise on taste. Featuring protein-rich yellow split peas (toor dal) simmered to perfection with turmeric, this dish is brought to life with a fragrant tadka of cumin, mustard seeds, and freshly sautéed aromatics like ginger, garlic, and onions. To keep it heart-friendly, no added salt is needed—relying instead on the vibrant flavors of tomatoes, lemon juice, and warming spices like garam masala and red chili powder. Perfectly balanced with a garnish of fresh cilantro, this low-sodium dal pairs beautifully with steamed rice or warm roti, making it an ideal dish for a wholesome weeknight dinner or a comforting lunch. Ready in just 45 minutes, this recipe is proof that mindful eating can still be full of flavor and tradition.

Nutriscore Rating: 79/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Yellow split peas (toor dal)
• 4 cups Water
• 0.5 teaspoons Turmeric powder
• 1 medium Onion, chopped
• 1 medium Tomato, chopped
• 1 Green chili, slit
• 1 inch piece Ginger, minced
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 0.5 teaspoon Mustard seeds
• 0.25 teaspoon Asafoetida (hing)
• 0.5 teaspoon Red chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Garam masala
• 2 tablespoons Cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil or ghee

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the yellow split peas thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear.

Step 2

In a large pot, combine the split peas, water, and turmeric powder. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 3

Lower the heat and simmer, partially covered, for 20-25 minutes or until the dal is tender and well-cooked.

Step 4

While the dal is cooking, heat olive oil or ghee in a separate pan over medium heat.

Step 5

Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds to the oil. Let them splutter for a few seconds.

Step 6

Add asafoetida, ginger, garlic, and green chili. Sauté for a minute until the garlic turns slightly golden.

Step 7

Stir in the chopped onions and cook till they turn translucent.

Step 8

Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and the oil starts to separate from the masala.

Step 9

Mix in red chili powder and garam masala. Cook for another minute until the spices are well incorporated.

Step 10

Once the dal is cooked, pour this tadka (tempered spices) over it and mix well.

Step 11

Simmer the dal on low heat for another 5 minutes, adjusting the consistency by adding more water if needed.

Step 12

Turn off the heat and stir in the lemon juice.

Step 13

Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Step 14

Serve hot with steamed rice or roti.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1478.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	936.0

Total Fat 18.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 2.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 87.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 146.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 36.7g	0%
Total Sugars 16.5g
Protein 50.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 275.0mg	0%
Iron 14.9mg	0%
Potassium 2781.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 17.7%

Protein: 21.1%

Carbs: 61.2%