Dal Tadka

दाल तड़का Also: Dal Fry, Yellow Dal
Gluten: Likely contains restriction
Dairy: Likely contains restriction
Peanut: Likely OK

Yellow lentils cooked until smooth and topped with a ghee-based tempering (tadka) of cumin, garlic, tomatoes, and spices.

Allergen data cross-referenced against published allergen databases.

Your dietary restrictions

The full allergen breakdown is below. Select your restrictions to see a personalized safety status.

Full allergen breakdown

Ingredients

  • yellow lentils (toor dal or moong dal)
  • ghee (Dairy)
  • cumin
  • garlic
  • tomatoes
  • onions
  • turmeric
  • asafoetida (hing)

Hidden Ingredients

These ingredients are not typically listed on menus but are present in traditional preparations.

  • ghee (contains trace dairy protein)
  • asafoetida (hing) contains wheat flour in commercial form
  • cream sometimes added for richness

Allergen Breakdown

Dairy-Free

Likely contains restriction

Ghee is used in the tadka and contains trace casein proteins from clarification.

Gluten-Free

Likely contains restriction

Commercial asafoetida (hing) powder is compounded with wheat flour. Verify if pure resin hing is used.

Peanut-Free

Likely OK

No peanuts in dal tadka.

Tree Nut-Free

Likely OK

No tree nuts in dal tadka.

Shellfish-Free

Likely OK

No shellfish in dal tadka.

Egg-Free

Likely OK

No eggs in dal tadka.

Fish-Free

Likely OK

No fish in dal tadka.

Soy-Free

Likely OK

No soy in dal tadka.

Sesame-Free

Likely OK

No sesame in standard dal tadka.

Vegetarian

Likely OK

Fully vegetarian (contains ghee which is dairy).

Key risk: Dal appears to be a simple lentil soup, but the ghee tadka means dairy protein is in every serving. Commercial asafoetida powder (used in the tempering) almost always contains wheat flour. Many restaurants add cream to restaurant-style dal, adding more dairy.

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Important: Dish Scout is a reference guide, not medical advice. Traditional recipes vary by restaurant, region, and chef. Always verify ingredients with restaurant staff before ordering. When in doubt, don't eat it.