How to prepare Dal Palak

Dal Palak is a nutritious and delicious dish made with lentils and spinach. It's a popular Indian recipe that combines the health benefits of dal (lentils) and palak (spinach) into a flavorful and wholesome meal.

Here’s how you can prepare Dal Palak at home:

Ingredients:

For the Dal:

• 1 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas) or moong dal (split yellow lentils)
• 4 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon 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
• 2-3 green chilies, slit or chopped
• 1-inch ginger, grated
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)

• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (optional)
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

• Cook the Dal:
  • Wash the dal thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear.
  • In a pressure cooker, add the washed dal, 4 cups of water, turmeric powder and salt. Close the lid and cook on medium heat for 3-4 whistles, or until the dal is soft and fully cooked. If you don't have a pressure cooker, you can cook the dal in a pot on the stovetop until it is soft and mushy, though this will take longer.
  • Once the pressure releases naturally, open the lid and mash the dal slightly with the back of a spoon or a whisk. Set aside.
• Prepare the Spinach Mixture:
  • Heat oil or ghee in a large pan or kadhai over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Let them splutter.
  • Add asafoetida, followed by the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
  • Add the chopped onions and green chilies. Cook until the onions become translucent.
  • Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
  • Add coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala and red chili powder (if using). Mix well and cook for another minute.

• Add the finely chopped spinach to the pan. Cook until the spinach wilts and reduces in volume, stirring occasionally.
• Combine Spinach Mixture with Dal:
  • Pour the cooked and mashed dal into the pan with the spinach mixture. Mix well to combine.
  • Add water if needed to achieve the desired consistency. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Adjust salt as needed.
• Garnish and Serve:
  • Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
  • Serve hot with steamed rice, roti, or naan. You can also enjoy it with a side of pickle or yogurt.

Additional Tips:

• Lentil Variations: You can use a combination of different lentils like moong dal and masoor dal for added flavor and texture.
• Leafy Greens: Apart from spinach, you can also add other leafy greens like fenugreek leaves (methi) or kale for variation.
• Creaminess: For a richer texture, you can add a tablespoon of fresh cream or a dollop of butter at the end.

Dal Palak is a comforting and nutritious dish that is perfect for a wholesome meal. Enjoy the goodness of lentils and spinach in this delicious and healthy recipe.

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