Dal tadka with Spicy Aloo, Plain Rice Meal

There’s not anything quite just like the soul-gratifying comfort of a easy Indian thali. A steaming bowl of dal tadka, paired with spicy aloo sabi and plain white rice, is a balanced meal of protein, spice, and carbs. This trio isn't just normal meals—it’s nostalgia on a plate, reminder of home-cooked food .

Ingredients:

For Dal Tadka:

• 1 cup toor dal (pigeon peas)
• 2 cups water
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 1 inch ginger chopped
• 4 garlic chopped
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 2 tbsp ghee
• Fresh green coriander
• Salt

For Spicy Aloo:

• 3 medium potatoes, boiled & cubed
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 tsp ginger garlic paste
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• Salt
• Fresh coriander

For Plain Rice:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ghee

Method:

Dal Tadka:

1. Wash and pressure cook toor dal with turmeric, salt and water until smooth. Mash a little.
2. Take a pan, heat ghee in it. Once the ghee is hot, add jeera, onion, ,garlic, ginger and fry for two minutes.
3. Next add green chilies. tomatoes, chili powder, and cook till soft.
4. Now, mix dal, and cook for five more minutes .
5. Garnish with coriander leaves.

Spicy Aloo:

1. Take a pan, heat oil in a pan, add mustard and cumin .
2. Add onion, green chilies, garlic ,ginger and sauté till aromatic.
3. Mix in turmeric, chili powder, and garam masala.
4. Toss in boiled potato ,stir to coat the masala properly , and cook till crisp.
5. Decorate with coriander leaves.

Plain Rice:

1. Wash rice properly 2- 3 times. Soak in water for some time.
2. Cook with water, salt, and ghee until fluffy.

Serving Suggestion:

Serve warm dal tadka with simple rice, with spicy aloo . Serve with achar, papad, or salad for a full thali experience.

Conclusion:

This combination of dal tadka, spicy aloo, and rice is the ultimate comfort food, easy to make. It’s wholesome, nutritious, and perfect for both weekday dinners .