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Finished dish of dal palak in a serving dish.
James Strange

Easy dal Palak recipe (stovetop and instant pot)

5 from 2 votes
Lightly spiced Dal Palak (Spinach Dal) makes a tasty and comforting meal. The dish can be served with any grain of your choice and is naturally vegan.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 186
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

Dal
  • 1.5 cups Red lentils masoor dal
  • 1 Tablespoon Ginger paste
  • 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder
  • 5 cups Water
Tadka
  • 3 Tablespoons Oil
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
  • 4 cloves Garlic Chopped
  • 4 each Peppers
  • 1 cup Onion Finely diced
  • 1 cup Tomato Finely diced
Finish
  • 4 oz Spinach Fresh

Method
 

Cook the lentils
  1. Inspect and wash the lentils.
    1.5 cups Red lentils
  2. To a pot add the washed lentil and all of the dal ingredients (red lentils, ginger paste, red chili powder, salt, turmeric powder, and water). Bring to a simmer.
  3. Cook until the lentils are tender (about 20 minutes).
  4. Use a whisk to break up some of the lentils.
While the lentils are simmering prepare the tadka.
  1. To a pan on medium heat add oil. When the oil is starting to get hot add the cumin seeds so that they pop.
  2. After the cumin seeds start crackling add the garlic, chili peppers, and chopped onion.
  3. Sauté until the onion starts to change color. Add the chopped tomato and cook until the tomatoes are mushy and have changed color.
  4. Set aside until ready to use.
Finish
  1. Add the spinach to the dish and stir it in. Cook for two minutes.
  2. Add the tadka to the dish and mix. The dish is now ready to serve.