Dal Tadka vs Dal Makhani: Key Details Revealed to You

Both Dal Makhani and Dal Tadka are iconic dishes that represent the true colors of Indian cuisine. While both dishes offer smooth texture and consistency, the two recipes are entirely different. Let’s discuss everything you need to know about Dal Tadka vs Dal Makhani.

What is Dal Makhani?


Dal Makhani is a lentils recipe made of whole black urad dal (black lentils) and rajma (kidney beans). It has tomato-based curry and is cooked with butter, cream, and multiple spices to offer rich and smooth consistency.

What is Dal Tadka?

Dal Tadka is also a lentils recipe, but it’s made with masoor dal (husked red lentils) or arhar dal (husked pigeon pea lentils). It’s first fried with tomato and onion and then undergoes tadka (tempering) with khada/garam masala, oil, red chili, chopped garlic, and cumin seed.

Similarities and Differences Between Dal Tadka and Dal Makhani

Dal Tadka vs Dal Makhani: Similarities

Both Dal Tadka and Dal Makhani are made of lentils. They also have many similar ingredients such as onions, tomatoes, ginger, cream, Kasuri methi, garlic, salt, green chili, red chili, etcetera. You can make both recipes in an instant pot, pressure cooker, and pan.

Dal Tadka vs Dal Makhani: Differences

The most significant difference between Dal Tadka and Dal Makhani is that they use different types of lentils. The cooking methods are also different as you need to fry Dal Tadka again after cooking. Dal Tadka also uses less cream quantity and offers a little bit less creamy texture.  

Punjabi Daal tadka

Also Learn About Dal Bukhara vs Dal Makhani

Dal Tadka vs Dal Makhani Nutrition

There are 330 calories in Dal Makhani single serving (196 grams) along with the following.

  • Protein: 13 grams
  • Sugars: 4.7 grams
  • Dietary fiber: 10 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 31 grams
  • Potassium: 567 milligrams
  • Sodium: 372 milligrams
  • Cholesterol: 44 milligrams
  • Total fat: 19 grams
  • Vitamin A: 16 percent (daily value)
  • Vitamin C: 10 percent (daily value)
  • Calcium: 8 percent (daily value)
  • Iron: 26 percent (daily value)

There are 210 calories in Dal Tadka single serving (196 grams) along with the following:

  • Protein: 7 grams
  • Sugars: 0 grams
  • Dietary fiber: 2.8 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 22.4 grams
  • Sodium: 714 milligrams
  • Cholesterol: 14 milligrams
  • Total fat: 9.8 grams
  • Vitamin A: 162.8 percent (daily value)
  • Vitamin C: 11.2 percent (daily value)
  • Calcium: 5.6 percent (daily value)
  • Iron: 8.4 percent (daily value)

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Is Dal Tadka Healthy?

Yes, Dal Tadka is a healthy food as it doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients. However, it’s high in fat and calories, so it won’t be suitable if you’re trying to lose weight.

Is Dal Makhani Spicy?

No, Dal Makhani isn’t a very spicy food as it contains pureed tomatoes, a lot of butter, and cream.

You may also want to discover dal makhani oberoi style.

Is Dal Makhani Good for Weight Loss?

You’ll consume 330 Dal Makhani calories in a single serving, so it isn’t good for weight loss. Additionally, It also contains a lot of carbohydrates and fat. So if you’re trying to lose weight, adding Dal Tadka or Dal Makhani to your diet isn’t advisable.

Is Dal Makhani Healthy

Yes, Dal Makhani is a healthy food that provides you with many essential minerals, vitamins, carbs, and protein. As confirmed by Kathleen M. Zelman, MPH, RD, LD, it comes with many other health benefits, including boosting your body’s energy and improving your cardiovascular health.

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