Easy and healthy Spinach dal/lentil

Spinach dal, also known as “Palak Dal” in Indian cuisine is a comforting and nutritious dish that brings together the goodness of lentils and the flavours of spinach. This recipe holds a special place in Indian cuisine, not just for its taste but also for its numerous health benefits. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate leafy greens into your diet. Spinach dal/lentil is very simple to prepare, and perfect for serving with steamed rice or Indian bread. Let’s dive into the recipe for spinach dal that will surely tantalize your taste buds.

There are various varieties of lentils and each has its own unique taste and texture. Toor dal can be replaced with masoor dal (red lentil) if you are cooking in an open pan since it has less cooking time. The other alternative is to soak the toor dal for 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking to shorten the cooking time. Choose the lentil variety that aligns with your taste preference and cooking time.

More vegetarian dishes.

Dal Makhani

Dal Makhani is a North Indian lentil curry with a rich and velvety texture. The lentils are added to a creamy tomato-based sauce. The dish is elevated by the addition of butter and is often enjoyed with naan, rice, chapati or roti.

Check out this recipe

Moringa/drumstick leaves kootu

Moringa leaves kootu is a wholesome South Indian dish that highlights the nutritional benefits of moringa leaves. In this preparation, moringa leaves are cooked in a blend of lentils, coconut, and spices, creating a rich and aromatic kootu (stew). Enjoyed with rice or Indian bread, it is a health-conscious choice for those seeking a well-rounded and tasty dish.

Check out this recipe

Onion, Tomato curry

Onion Tomato Curry is a versatile Indian dish that combines onions and tomatoes with a medley of aromatic spices. The onions and tomatoes are cooked and the roasted coconuts are added to create a curry base, infused with spices. This can be served alongside rice, idli or dosa.

Check out this recipe

Give our comforting Sorakaya Pappu (bottle gourd dal) a try—another hearty and wholesome dal recipe to enjoy!

Easy and healthy Spinach dal/lentil recipe

Print Recipe

Spinach Lentil curry is a nutritious and flavorful dish that combines the wholesome goodness of lentils with the vibrant taste of spinach. The dish is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. Served with rice or bread.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Indian

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings 4 people

Author sumisculinarynotes

Ingredients

• 1 cup mix of split yellow lentils  (moong dal) and yellow split pigeon peas (toor dal) 1 cup is 250ml
• 200 gms Spinach leaves, washed and finely chopped
• 2 -3 nos. small onions
• 1 no. tomato, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp chilly powder adjust to your spice preference
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• ½ tsp asafoetida
• 4 cups water
• Salt

For tempering

• 1 tbsp oil or ghee
• ½ tsp mustard
• 1 – 2 nos. dry red chillies
• A few curry leaves

Instructions

• Add all the ingredients to a pressure cooker and pressure cook for 4 whistles over medium heat.
• If you are cooking in an open pan, place all the ingredients in a large pot and bring it to a boil.

  Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot and let it simmer for about 25 minutes or until it is soft. Stir occasionally.
• Once the dal is cooked, mash it a little and set it aside.

Tempering

• Heat ghee or oil in a separate pan over medium heat.
• Add mustard and let it splutter.
• Add the dry red chillies and curry leaves, saute for a few seconds and pour it over the dal.
• Serve with steamed rice or Indian bread (chapati, naan, roti etc)
• Enjoy the nutritious and delicious Spinach Dal!

Notes

You can choose to sauté the spinach separately in another pan with a little oil and then combine them with the cooked dal. However, I personally find it more convenient to cook them together to simplify the process.