Palak Dal, a nutritious and hearty dish, combines the earthy flavors of lentils with the vibrant taste of spinach. It’s a classic comfort food in many households, and for me, a hot meal of Palak Dal paired with jeera rice is a true indulgence. This dish not only comforts the soul but also offers a healthy and satisfying meal.
Dal tadka has always been one of my favorite parts of a North Indian thali, and adding spinach enhances it even more. The steps to cook this beautiful dish is as simple as it gets. First cook toor dal (split pigeon peas) with turmeric, salt, and garlic until tender. Then, sauté aromatics with tomatoes and spinach, mix them with the lentils. Finally, top the dish with a flavorful tempering before serving. This vibrant and nutritious dish delights with its delicious and satisfying flavors!
Palak Dal Tadka
Let's discover the comforting flavors of Palak Dal— a wholesome and easy-to-make dish that pairs beautifully with rice or rotis, making it a staple for any home-cooked meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup toor dal (pigeon peas)
- 3 cups of water + 1/2 cup to adjust consistency later
- 1/4 tsp turmeric
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
- 1 green chili, finely chopped
- 3 cups spinach, chopped
- 1 tbsp rice bran oil or any neutral oil of choice
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/4 cup coriander leaves, chopped
- 1 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
- 2 dried red chilies
- 1/4 teaspoon of asafetida
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp Kashmiri chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Lentils: Pressure Cooker: In a pressure cooker, combine 1 cup of toor dal with 1/4 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp salt, and 3 cups of water. Cook for 3-4 whistles or until the lentils are soft.
Instant Pot: Add 1 cup of toor dal, 1/4 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp salt, 2 and 3 cups of water to the Instant Pot. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on the "Pressure Cook" setting for 10 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally.
Stove Top: In a large pot, combine 1 cup of toor dal, 1/4 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp salt, and 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are soft. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed to maintain the desired consistency. - Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet, add 1/2 tsp cumin seeds, then chopped onion. Sauté until translucent. Add ginger garlic paste and green chili, and cook until the onions are golden brown.
- Cook the Tomatoes: Add chopped tomato to the pan and sauté until soft and oil separates.
- Add Spinach: Add 3 cups chopped spinach. Sauté until wilted.
- Combine Lentils and Veggies: Whisk cooked lentils until nearly pureed. Add up to 1/2 cup boiling water to adjust consistency. Mix lentils into vegetables and bring to a boil. Check and adjust salt as desired.
- Prepare the Tempering: Heat 1 tbsp ghee, add 1/2 tsp cumin seeds, and 2 dried red chilies. Once aromatic, turn off the heat, add 1.4 tsp of asafetida, 1 tsp coriander seeds, 1 tsp Kashmiri chili powder, and 1/2 tsp garam masala. Sauté briefly the spices. Note: The residual heat is sufficient to sauté the spice powders
- Finish the Dal: Pour tempering over the dal, mix well, and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve: Enjoy hot with rice or rotis.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1 cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 250Total Fat: 9gCarbohydrates: 35gFiber: 7gProtein: 12g
Customization Suggestions
- Mixed Lentils: Make this dish with a mix of half masoor dal (split red lentils) and toor dal (split pegion peas)
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of green chilies and red chilies to suit your spice preference.
- Vegetable Variations: You can mix in other greens like kale or Swiss chard for a twist.
Serving Suggestions
Palak Dal pairs wonderfully with rice or rotis. My favourite is a bowl of jira rice immersed in this beautiful palak dal. For a complete meal, serve it with a side of pickles and yogurt.
Why Palak Dal is Wholesome and Nutritious
This dish is an excellent choice for a balanced diet. The combination of toor dal (pigeon peas) and spinach provides a rich source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. According to Healthline, lentils are high in protein and fiber, which help support digestive health and keep you feeling full longer. They are also rich in iron, which is crucial for maintaining healthy blood and preventing anemia. Spinach adds an extra nutritional boost with its high vitamin A, vitamin C, and folate content, all of which support overall health and boost immunity.
Have you tried making this easy and wholesome dal recipe? Share your experiences and any variations you love in the comments below! And if you make this dish, we’d love to see your creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag us @Platefullofyumm