Easy Dal Palak

Dal combined with Palak (spinach) makes a nutritious combination and this Easy Dal Palak literally means Easy and a quick way for a curry, which can be had with Rice, roti or any main course dish.

Daal (Lentils) also known as Parippu in Malayalam/Tamil, Pappu in Telegu are a variety of pulses which are mostly kind of split peas. Dal has always been the mainstay of south asian cooking, especially in India/Pakistan/Sri Lanka etc. Dal Makhani, Dal Maharani, Sambaar, all have the very same protein – Daal.

Ingredients

• Toor dal/split pigeon peas….. 1 cup
• Chopped spinach….. 2 cups
• Chopped tomatoes…. 1/2 cup
• Chilli powder…. 1 tspn
• Turmeric powder…. 1/2 tspn
• Salt to taste
• Water

For tempering:

• Mustard Seeds…. 1 tspn
• Whole red chillies… 3-4 nos
• Cumin Seeds…. 1/2 tspn
• Chopped garlic…. 1 tbspn (optional)
• Few curry leaves
• Oil or ghee

Method:

1. Cook the dal, spinach and tomatoes along with turmeric, chilli powder, salt and water. Cook all the ingredients in a pressure cooker for 3-4 whistles.
2. Heat 1 tbspn oil or ghee in a pan. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
3. Now add the whole red chillies, curry leaves and chopped garlic.
4. Stir till the garlic is brown in colour.
5. Add the tempering to the cooked dal. Mix well.
6. Serve hot with rice.