Tarka

Tarka is an Indian cooking style that emphasizes the rapid heating of spices in oil or ghee to release their full flavors and aromas. This process, often called "tempering," involves briefly frying spices like cumin, mustard seeds, or turmeric before adding other ingredients. It enhances the depth and complexity of dishes such as dals, curries, and rice. Tarka is a fundamental technique in Indian cuisine, used to build flavor layers and create aromatic, well-rounded dishes. Its quick, energetic process highlights the importance of spice preparation for achieving authentic and vibrant flavors.