Go Back
+ servings
Dal Palak

Dal Palak Delight: Comforting Spinach Lentil Curry Recipe

This Dal Palak is a nourishing spinach lentil curry, rich in flavor and perfect for dinner.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Lentils
  • 1 cup Chana Dal Soak with a pinch of baking soda for best results.
  • 1 cup Masoor Dal Ensure it is rinsed and drained before use.
For the Spinach Mixture
  • 4 cups Spinach Substitute with 5 ounces of frozen spinach if fresh is unavailable.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Essential for the tadka.
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger Freshly grated.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Finely grated.
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds Must be toasted.
  • 2 pieces Dried Red Chilies Adjust amount based on spice preference.
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder Kashmiri chili powder recommended.
  • 1 medium Tomato Chopped.
  • 1 piece Chopped Green Chili Optional for additional heat.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander
  • 1 teaspoon Garam Masala Added at the end of cooking.
For Cooking and Garnishing
  • 2 tablespoons Olive or Avocado Oil For sautéing.
  • 1 teaspoon Kasuri Methi Optional but recommended.
  • 4 cups Water
  • to taste Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice For brightness.
  • 1/4 cup Chopped Cilantro For garnishing.
  • 1 tablespoon Ghee Can be omitted for a vegan option.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Dal Palak
  1. Rinse the chana dal and masoor dal under cool water until it runs clear, then soak the chana dal in water for about 30 minutes to soften. Wash the fresh spinach thoroughly and chop it finely.
  2. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive or avocado oil over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onions and sauté for 20-25 minutes until they are golden and caramelized.
  3. Remove the onions from the pot and in the same pot, add cumin seeds. Allow to sizzle, then add finely grated garlic and dried red chilies, sautéing until garlic is golden.
  4. Add the caramelized onions back and followed by chopped tomatoes. Cook for 5-7 minutes, then mix in ginger, green chilies, turmeric, ground coriander, garam masala, and kasuri methi.
  5. Add soaked chana dal and rinsed masoor dal, then pour in water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes.
  6. Stir in chopped spinach and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and add lemon juice just before serving.
  7. Transfer to a serving dish, top with ghee and chopped cilantro, and serve warm with rice or naan.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 15gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 400mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 15gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 3000IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 4mg

Notes

Maintain medium heat for onions and spices; soak chana dal for best texture; use freshly chopped herbs for garnish.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!