What is Tarka?

Tarka — image courtesy of the author

Mastering the Indian technique of tarka (or tadka) will take your food, Indian and otherwise to a higher notch. Tarka is a process that is also called “tempering” or “blooming” and is incredibly easy and super quick. Bonus.

Simply put, making a tarka is the method of frying spices in hot fat. Tempering spices in this way unlocks maximum flavour from them, infuses the oil and in turn, your food. The whole process of making a tarka takes…