Warm Dal Dip with Poppadoms and Crudites
A warm, lemony lentil dip with garlic and cumin for scooping up with poppadoms and fresh vegetables.
Made with Tarka dal base. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time20 mins
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £1.09 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Warm your ready made tarka dal base (see the base recipe) in a pan over a medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring, until thick and steaming hot all the way through.
8 min - 2
Blend with a stick blender, 2 tbsp of the oil, the garlic, cumin and lemon juice until smooth. Season to taste.
- 3
Spoon into a bowl and make a swirl in the top.
- 4
Heat the remaining oil in a small pan and drizzle over the dip. Scatter with coriander.
- 5
Cook the poppadoms following the pack and serve with the vegetable sticks.
Tips
- Serve warm, as the flavour is better than cold.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a different taste.
- Thicken the dip by cooking longer, or loosen it with a little water.
Storing and freezing
Cover and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze for 3 months. Eat cold or reheat until steaming hot all the way through.
Questions
Is it gluten free?
The dip is, but many poppadoms contain wheat or other flours, so check the label. Serve with the vegetable sticks only if unsure.
Can I make it spicy?
Add a chopped green chilli or a pinch of chilli powder when blending.
Can I serve it cold?
Yes. It tastes good at room temperature too, so you can make it ahead and take it out of the fridge 30 minutes before serving.
More made with tarka dal base
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.