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)
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- 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.
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- 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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