3 Easy Dal Recipes Ready in 20 Minutes (Weeknight Dinner)
Winter evenings call for something warm, filling, and fast. These 3 easy weeknight dal recipes are ready in just 20 minutes and use simple pantry staples all available at Tales of India. Whether you're cooking for one or the whole family, dal never
disappoints.
Recipe 1: Classic Tadka Dal

Key Ingredients: Moong or Toor Dal · Ghee · Cumin Seeds · Turmeric · Garlic · Dried Chilli
Method: Boil your dal until soft. In a separate pan, heat ghee and add cumin seeds, dried chilli, and garlic. Let it sizzle until fragrant, then pour the tadka over the cooked dal. Stir and serve hot with roti or steamed rice.
Recipe 2: Masoor Dal Fry

Key Ingredients: Red Lentils (Masoor Dal) · Onion · Tomato · Garam Masala
Method: Red lentils cook the fastest no soaking needed. Boil lentils until tender. In a pan, fry onions until golden, add tomatoes and cook down, then stir in your spices. Combine with the cooked lentils and simmer for a few minutes. Rich, filling, and weeknight-perfect.
⏱ Ready in 20 minutes
Recipe 3: Dal Palak (Spinach Dal)

Key Ingredients: Any Dal · Fresh Spinach · Mustard Seeds · Hing (Asafoetida)
Method: Cook your favourite dal as usual. In the last few minutes, stir in a generous handful of fresh spinach and let it wilt into the dal. Finish with a tadka of mustard seeds and hing for a nutritious, warming winter bowl.
⏱ Ready in 20 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions About Dal Recipes
Which dal cooks the fastest?
Masoor Dal (red lentils) cooks the fastest no soaking needed, ready in under 15 minutes.
Can I make dal without ghee?
Yes any neutral oil works. But ghee gives the tadka its authentic aroma and flavour. Find ghee at Tales of India in our dairy section.
Where can I buy dal ingredients in Melbourne?
All ingredients for these recipes lentils, spices, ghee, and fresh produce are available at Tales of India, Melbourne's Indian grocery store, with same-day delivery when you order by 2 PM.
Shop All Ingredients at Tales of India — Melbourne's Indian Grocery Store
Shop All Ingredients at Tales of India Melbourne's Indian Grocery Store From farm-fresh vegetables and seasonal fruits to Indian sweets, milk, and 500+ pantry favourites everything you need for these recipes and more, all in one place.