Dal Palak Recipe

Dal Palak is a popular Indian dish that combines lentils (dal) with spinach (palak). It's a nutritious and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed with rice or Indian bread such as roti or naan. Here's a simple recipe for Dal Palak:

Ingredients:

- 1 cup yellow split lentils (moong dal or toor dal)

- 2 cups spinach leaves, washed and finely chopped

- 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped

- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped

- 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise

- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste

- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)

- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala

- Salt to taste

- 2 tablespoons ghee or oil

- Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing

Instructions:

1. Rinse the lentils (dal) thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. Soak the lentils in water for about 30 minutes. Then, drain the water.

2. In a pressure cooker or a large pot, add the soaked and drained lentils along with 3 cups of water. Add turmeric powder and salt. Pressure cook the lentils until they become soft and mushy. If using a pot, cook them until tender, stirring occasionally.

3. In a separate pan, heat ghee or oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Then, add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.

4. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies to the pan. Sauté for a minute until the raw smell of ginger and garlic disappears.

5. Add chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until they become soft and mushy.

6. Now, add the chopped spinach leaves to the pan and mix well. Cook for a few minutes until the spinach wilts down and blends with the onions and tomatoes.

7. Once the lentils are cooked, open the pressure cooker and mash them slightly with a spoon or a whisk. You can adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed.

8. Add the cooked spinach mixture to the lentils and mix well. Bring the dal to a gentle simmer and let it cook for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together.

9. Sprinkle garam masala and red chili powder over the dal. Stir well and cook for a couple more minutes.

10. Check the seasoning and adjust salt and spices according to your taste.

11. Garnish the Dal Palak with fresh coriander leaves.

Your Dal Palak is now ready to be served. Serve it hot with steamed rice or Indian bread of your choice. Enjoy!