Dal Tadka is a quintessential Indian dish that features cooked lentils tempered with aromatic spices. To prepare it, lentils, typically yellow or red lentils (such as masoor dal or toor dal), are boiled until soft and then seasoned with a tempering of ghee (clarified butter) or oil infused with spices like cumin seeds, mustard seeds, garlic, ginger, and dried red chilies.

This tempering process, known as tadka, adds layers of flavor and aroma to the dish. The cooked lentils are then seasoned with salt, turmeric, and sometimes other spices like coriander and garam masala. Dal Tadka is often garnished with fresh cilantro leaves and served hot with rice or Indian bread like roti or naan. It's a comforting and nutritious dish that's beloved across India for its rich taste and simplicity.