Black-eyed peas have a dense and firm texture, and when cooked, the consistency will soften slightly, developing neutral, nutty, earthy, and savory flavors.
The literal translation of Dal Tadka is Dal=lentil and tadka=tempering. Tadka or chaunk (in hindi) is a term we often use in Indian cooking for the process of adding seasoning to a dish. It mostly involves adding spices like cumin seeds, mustard seeds, garlic, chilies, curry leaves etc. to hot oil or ghee.