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Dal Palak

Nourishing Dal Palak: A Flavor-Packed Spinach Delight

Dal Palak is a nourishing spinach and lentil delight packed with fiber and flavor, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dishes
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 330

Ingredients
  

For the Dal
  • 1 cup Chana Dal Can substitute with moong dal or toor dal.
  • 1 cup Masoor Dal Rinse and drain well.
For the Spinach Mix
  • 5 oz Spinach Fresh is best, but frozen can work too.
  • 1 large Yellow Onion Sauté until golden brown.
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Ginger Grated for more flavor.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Finely grated.
For the Spices
  • 1 tsp Cumin Seeds Pivotal in Indian cooking.
  • 2 pieces Dried Red Chilies Adjust to suit your spice preference.
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder Kashmiri chili is milder.
  • ½ tsp Turmeric Essential in Indian cuisine.
  • 1 tsp Ground Coriander Balances the dish.
  • 1 tsp Garam Masala Warming blend of spices.
  • 1 tbsp Kasuri Methi Optional for flavor enhancement.
For Preparation
  • 4 cups Water Adjust for consistency.
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice Brightens and balances flavors.
  • ½ cup Chopped Cilantro Fresh garnish.
  • 2 tbsp Ghee Optional for richness.

Equipment

  • large pot

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Dal Palak
  1. Rinse the chana dal and masoor dal under cold running water until the water runs clear, then drain well. Soak the chana dal for about 30 minutes.
  2. Wash the fresh spinach thoroughly, dry using a salad spinner or paper towels, and chop finely.
  3. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced yellow onions, stirring for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Reserve half for later.
  4. Add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds to the remaining onions, sauté until spluttering. Mix in 2-3 grated garlic cloves and 1-2 dried red chilies, stirring until garlic turns golden.
  5. Return the reserved onions to the pot, stir in 1 teaspoon of chili powder and 1 chopped tomato. Cook until tomatoes soften, about 3-4 minutes.
  6. Add 1 tablespoon of ginger, 1 chopped green chili, ½ teaspoon of turmeric, 1 teaspoon of ground coriander, and 1 teaspoon of garam masala. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Stir in soaked lentils and 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for about 30 minutes until creamy.
  8. Once lentils are tender, stir in chopped spinach, half the reserved oil, and cilantro. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes, then add lemon juice and adjust salt.
  9. Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with remaining onion-oil, cilantro, and a drizzle of ghee if desired. Serve hot with rice or naan.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 330kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 18gFat: 7gSodium: 400mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 12gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 5000IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 5mg

Notes

Soak chana dal beforehand for a shorter cooking time. Sauté onions until deeply golden to enhance sweetness. Adjust consistency with water if needed.

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