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Indian Lentil Soup Mix in a Jar (Dal Tadka)

Learn how to make your own Indian Dal Tadka (lentil soup mix) in a jar! Dry soup mixes are a perfect holiday gift, and it makes hearty, delicious Dal everyone will rave about! (vegan, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free). This post was originally published Dec 4 2013.

open jars of lentil soup mix with open spice pouches

Make this dal (Indian lentil soup) jar to keep handy for your own quick meals, or gift these dry mixes to introduce everyone around to some awesome Indian lentil dal! These make great care packages, hostess gifts, coworker gifts, camping meals etc.

jar of red lentil soup mix

You cannot get a better, more creative stocking stuffer than a spiced lentil soup. Cook up a big batch, sit by the window and watch the snow. 

There are many many ways you can make Indian Dals. Dal is a term used for all the legumes(for eg split red lentils are called masoor dal), Dal is also a term used for the final result, for example masoor dal makes masoor dal tadka. Dal tadka is the way of making dal. Tadka or tempering(the spices) is kind of like making a fresh spiced oil. The oil is heated up and spices and aromatics are bloomed in it. For the jars today, I give you 2 options, to make red lentil dal tadka and yellow lentil dal. You can use other lentils in the jars as well. The cooking time will vary. Just cook the lentils you choose until preference and make the tadka and add and done!

dal tadka in the pan after cooking

Dal in a jar is easy to make and awesome to have around for days when you want a quick meal. And it’s so delicious with homemade dried onion, chili, garlic flakes and curry leaves. You dry these aromatics in the oven, and they give this dal such a deep, amazing flavor!

onion on the baking sheet after drying
open spice pouches

Why You’ll Love Dal Tadka in a Jar

  • easy to make holiday gift perfect for stocking stuffers, friends, coworkers, for camping etc.
  • gift it away or keep it on hand for easy meals in your own kitchen!
  • flavor-packed, creamy dal with multiple flavor layers, all in one jar
  • make the dal tadka within minutes!
  • perfect for traveling and camping for when you might have all spices
  • naturally gluten-free, soy-free, and nut-free
close-up of dal tadka in a bowl with rice

More Food Gifts

  • Cowboy Cookies in a Jar
  • Creamy Pasta Sauce in a Jar
  • Mac and Cheese Mix
  • chai Spice mix
  • Spicy Granola
  • Khichidi in a Jar
jar of split yellow lentil soup mix

Continue reading: Indian Lentil Soup Mix in a Jar (Dal Tadka)

The post Indian Lentil Soup Mix in a Jar (Dal Tadka) appeared first on Vegan Richa.

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Malvani Chicken Curry (Western Indian Coconut, Kashmiri Chili, Onion Curry) gluten-free, nut-free

Explore regional Indian cuisine with me and Try this fantastic Malvani Chikin curry! Western Indian spicy caramelized onion, toasted coconut and kashmiri chili sauce with crisp tofu! This sauce is flavor packed and has its own malvani masala spice blend! 1-pan meal meal that’s delicious served over rice or with flatbread or naan. 

malvani chicken curry in the pan after cooking

Malvani cuisine originates from the western coastal region in India. It has overlap with Maharashtrian(cuisine of state of maharashtra in India) as well as Goan cuisines and includes a lot of fish and local meat dishes. The flavors are very specific to the cuisine, with its own spice mixes (malvani masala or malvani garam masala) and cooking techniques. 

I’ve been exploring amazing regional flavors from various parts of India and brining you vegan versions, simplified or inspired dishes and today we are making vegan malvani chicken curry! For the sauce base, we use a blended roasted onion and coconut mixture, which is called vatan, making our own malvani spice blend with some spices, and using crisped up tofu in place of the meat. You can use other protein such as chickpea tofu, vegan chickin or beans as well. Traditionally, you don’t add any cream to this curry, but you can add some(it will also balance out the heat), add in some cashew cream or other non-dairy cream right at the end.

close-up of malvani chicken curry in the pan after cooking

The sauce and spice mix includes a lot of Kashmiri chili powder (I know right, you need some!) and black pepper, so it can get pretty hot. You can reduce these spices to suit your heat preferences, if needed.

Like I mentioned above, we make the flavorful Malvani masala spice blend from scratch. It is so delicious! If you have access to Malvani garam masala, I recommend using it in this recipe instead of the spice mix that I’m making below, to reduce active time. Just mix it with two teaspoons of Kashmiri chili powder and use. You can use this fragrant spicy blend over roasted veggies or with beans. It’s flavorful and can be used in many ways!

Key features of Malvani Curry

Malvani masala: this spice blend and the curry are known for the deep red color. It can be made with milder chilies with deeper color like byadagi chilies and Kashmiri chilies. I am using Kashmiri chili powder for a quicker version

Vatan: the sauce made with blended caramelized onion and toasted coconut makes the base of the curry. It adds a delicious sweet toasty flavor and some texture.

Slow long cooking: the longer cooking time helps the flavors meld and the colors to show up. The sauce when well cooked will get a glaze of the deep red color and a settled flavor. Before that state, the coconut might be a stronger flavor and the sauce might be lighter.

hand scooping up some malvani chicken curry using a piece of flatbread

Why You’ll Love Malvani Curry

  • amazing spice blend is delicious, even if you’re missing a spice or two
  • rich, flavorful blended sauce base with caramelized garlic, onion, and coconut
  • crispy, seasoned tofu in deeply seasoned curry sauce
  • option to crisp up the tofu or skip cooking it ahead to save time
  • gluten-free and nut-free with lots of easy soy-free options
malvani chicken curry in the pan with a piece of flatbread

🇮🇳 More Regional Indian Curries

  • Western Indian Goan Peri peri Chikin.
  • North indian Rara Chikin curry
  • South Indian Malabar Curry
  • South Indian Baked Eggplant Curry
  • East Indian Kosha Mangsho

Continue reading: Malvani Chicken Curry (Western Indian Coconut, Kashmiri Chili, Onion Curry) gluten-free, nut-free

The post Malvani Chicken Curry (Western Indian Coconut, Kashmiri Chili, Onion Curry) gluten-free, nut-free appeared first on Vegan Richa.

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