Tarka recipe: 59 photos
FAQ
Tarka (also known as tadka, bagari or chownk) is an Indian cooking technique of tempering spices in oil. Tempering spices helps to add a layer of flavour and texture to many Indian dishes and curries. Whole or broken spices are quickly fried in hot oil to release their essential oils and flavour the cooking oil.
Tadka, also known as tarka, refers to both a technique and the infused oil it produces, which adds an extra layer of flavor and texture in many Indian dishes.
Let's first understand what is tempering or tadka. It is the process of blooming spices in hot oil, ghee, or even butter, and then adding them to a dish to enhance its taste and aroma. Most spices are fat-soluble rather than water-soluble. To really get the flavour out of them, one needs to use fat.
Tarka dal (also known as tadka dal) is one of my all-time favourite lentil recipes. It's a simple lentil curry that's made with the most irresistible, aromatic ingredients – like toasted spices, fried onions and garlic – which really bring the lentils to life.
Tarka Dhal is food for the soul, it will heal you from the inside out, this is what I eat if I seek comfort from feeling run down and tired. Its full of nutrient rich spices and herbs, and the Lentils are high in fibre, low in fat, help to lower cholesterol, are good for the heart and can be easily digested.