Palak Dal is the Classic combination of Indian Lentil and spinach (palak). Here Masoor dal is cooked with the spinach and then tempered with the melted butter and spices. This recipe is full of nutrition and fiber. Palak Dal is a delicious aromatic main course recipe that contains good amount of coconut milk and other healthy ingredients.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch of spinach (palak) chopped
• 1 cup masoor dal (red lentils)
• 2 tablespoon chana dal (whole bengal gram)
• 1 small onion chopped
• 4-6 green chillies chopped
• 4 cloves garlic crushed or minced
• 1/2 inch ginger minced
• 1 tsp butter
• 1 tsp vegetable oil
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 tsp curd
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp fenugreek (methi) seeds
• 1/2 tsp red chilli powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp garam masala powder
• Salt to taste

How to make Palak Dal:

1. Rinse and soak dals in water for about 10 minutes.
2. Heat up a pressure cooker and add oil.
3. In the hot oil add green chillies and ginger-garlic. Saute well.
4. Add chopped onion and salt. Stir fry onion for 2 minutes.
5. Add soaked dal and spinach.
6. Add chilli powder, turmeric powder and coriander powder.
7. Add 2 cups of water and cover the pressure cooker.
8. Wait for 6-8 whistles and then uncover the cooker.
9. Keep on boil, add curd and add garam masala powder.
10. In a sauce pan melt the butter and saute cumin and methi seeds.
11. Stir for few seconds and pour into the palak dal.
12. Add coconut milk and stir for 2 more minutes.
13. Serve hot with roti or jeera rice.

Chef Tips:

1. You may use ghee instead of oil.
2. Sometimes I use fresh cream instead of milk then also tastes great.
3. You can use yellow moong dal in place of masoor dal.