Dal Palak

Dal Palak (Spinach Dal) Recipe

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Dal Palak (Spinach Dal) Recipe

In this comforting dal palak, Indian aromatics, whole spices, and spinach get toasted, then plated over an easy, protein-packed lentil dal. It’s gourmet, restaurant-quality Indian food that’s surprisingly easy to whip up!

Ingredients

For the Dal:

  • 1 cup toor dal (pigeon pea lentils) or moong dal (yellow lentils)
  • 2-3 cups water (adjust for desired consistency)
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • Salt to taste

For the Spinach Mixture:

  • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves (finely chopped)
  • 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 medium tomatoes (finely chopped)
  • 1-2 green chilies (slit or finely chopped)
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 2-3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1/4 tsp asafoetida (hing)
  • 1 tsp red chili powder (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala (optional)
  • 2 tbsp ghee or oil
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds

Garnish:

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp fresh coriander leaves (chopped)

Instructions

1. Cook the Dal:

  1. Rinse the dal under cold water until the water runs clear.
  2. In a pressure cooker or pot, combine dal, water, turmeric powder, and a little salt. Cook until the dal is soft and mushy (2-3 whistles in a pressure cooker or about 20-25 minutes in a pot). Mash lightly with the back of a spoon.

2. Prepare the Tempering:

  1. Heat ghee or oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
  3. Add asafoetida, minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chilies. Sauté until fragrant.
  4. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden.
  5. Stir in chopped tomatoes and cook until soft and mushy.
  6. Add red chili powder and garam masala (if using) and mix well.

3. Add Spinach:

  1. Add the chopped spinach to the pan and sauté until it wilts (2-3 minutes).

4. Combine:

  1. Add the cooked dal to the spinach mixture. Mix well and adjust the consistency with water if needed.
  2. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to let the flavors combine. Adjust salt if necessary.

5. Finish and Garnish:

  1. Turn off the heat and stir in lemon juice.
  2. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve hot with steamed rice, jeera rice, or roti.
  • Add a dollop of ghee on top for extra flavor.

Enjoy your hearty and nutritious Dal Palak! 🌿

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