GARLIC SPINACH RED LENTIL CURRY(EASY & DELICIOUS) | Dal Palak Recipe | पालक दाल

cooking oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: butter

Olive oil is healthier while butter is often cheaper.

garam masala

🥗Healthier: curry powder

💰Cheaper: mixed spices

Curry powder provides similar flavor at a lower cost.

lentils

🥗Healthier: split peas

💰Cheaper: dried beans

Split peas are a great alternative with similar texture.

spinach

🥗Healthier: kale

💰Cheaper: collard greens

Kale is nutritious while collard greens are often less expensive.

Wash lentils thoroughly to remove dust and dirt.

Cook lentils in a pressure cooker with 3 cups of hot water, a little turmeric powder, and a little salt for 10 minutes.

Allow pressure to release naturally, then open the lid.

Use a whisk to stir the dal until smooth.

In a pot over medium heat, add oil and heat until hot but not smoking.

Add cumin seeds and allow them to splutter.

Add chopped onions and a little salt to soften them quickly; no need to brown the onions.

Add a good amount of chopped garlic, red or green chilies, and grated ginger; stir for a few seconds.

Add chopped tomatoes and chopped stems of coriander leaves; do not let the tomatoes turn to mush.

Add ground coriander and red chili powder; stir well.

Increase the heat to high and add spinach; stir until it wilts and the moisture dries up, without covering the pot.

Add the cooked dal to the spinach mixture, and if needed, add 1 cup of water to adjust consistency.

Allow the dal to come to a rolling boil on high heat, then switch off the stove once bubbles appear.

Taste the dal and add salt if necessary, as some salt was already added during cooking.

Plate the dal, leaving some in the pot for the next step.

In a pan over medium heat, add a tiny drop of oil and butter.

Add garlic before the butter gets hot to infuse the flavor.

Add chopped dried red chili and a pinch of hing; stir quickly to avoid burning.

Add red chili powder and chopped coriander leaves; stir quickly.

Add the reserved dal from the pot into the pan and mix well.

Pour the mixture over the plated dal and serve with hot steamed rice or roti.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary