Dal Palak

Dal Palak Recipe - Authentic Indian Dish

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Dal Palak is a nutritious and flavorful Indian dish made with yellow split gram lentils and spinach. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients that are beneficial for your health.

History

Dal Palak has been a popular dish in Indian cuisine for centuries. It is a staple in many households and is often served with rice or roti. The combination of lentils and spinach provides a good balance of protein, fiber, and vitamins.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of yellow split gram lentils
2 cups of chopped spinach leaves
0.5 cup of chopped tomatoes
2 tbsp of sliced onions
1 tsp of chopped green chilis
1 tsp of chopped ginger
0.5 tsp of red chili powder
0.25 tsp of turmeric powder
2 tbsp of cooking oil
salt, to taste
3 cups of water
2 tbsp of chopped coriander leaves

How to prepare

Heat oil in a pot and add cumin seeds, green chilies, and ginger. Sauté for a minute and add onions. Fry onions until they start to brown a bit, then add tomatoes, turmeric powder, and chili powder.
Cook for 2–3 minutes until tomatoes become tender, then add lentils, spinach, and water. Let it boil for 20–25 minutes on medium-low heat until lentils are tender.
Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot.

Variations

Add diced potatoes or carrots for extra flavor and texture.
Use coconut milk instead of water for a creamy and rich dal.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soak the lentils in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking to reduce cooking time.

- Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture.

- Adjust the amount of green chilies and chili powder according to your spice preference.

- Stir the dal occasionally while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Dal Palak hot with steamed rice or roti for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Pressure cook the lentils for a quicker cooking time.

- Blend the cooked dal for a smoother consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use moong dal or masoor dal instead of yellow split gram lentils.

- Substitute spinach with kale or collard greens.

Make Ahead Tips

Dal Palak can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Dal Palak with a dollop of yogurt, a sprinkle of garam masala, and fresh coriander leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Dal Palak with cucumber raita, pickles, and papad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Dal Palak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pot or microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Dal Palak contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Dal Palak contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Dal Palak contains approximately 8 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Dal Palak contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Dal Palak is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron, calcium, and potassium.

Alergens

Dal Palak is gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for individuals with gluten or lactose intolerance.

Summary

Dal Palak is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Dal Palak is a delicious and nutritious Indian dish made with yellow split gram lentils and spinach. Packed with essential nutrients, this dish is perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Dal Palak. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in India. My grandmother, who was an amazing cook, had been teaching me how to make different dishes using traditional Indian ingredients and techniques. One day, she decided to teach me how to make Dal Palak, a delicious and nutritious dish made with lentils and spinach.

We started by soaking the lentils in water for a few hours to soften them. Then we cooked them with aromatics like onions, garlic, and ginger until they were tender and fragrant. Next, we added the spinach, which wilted down and added a beautiful green color to the dish. Finally, we seasoned the dal with a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala to give it a rich and flavorful taste.

As we sat down to eat the Dal Palak together, I was amazed at how delicious it was. The combination of the creamy lentils and the earthy spinach, paired with the warm and aromatic spices, created a dish that was both comforting and satisfying. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my cooking repertoire for years to come.

Over the years, I have made this Dal Palak recipe countless times, each time tweaking it to suit my own tastes and preferences. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all raved about how delicious it is. I have even passed it down to my own children, who now make it for their own families.

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can make it with different types of lentils, like split red lentils or yellow lentils, depending on what you have on hand. You can also vary the amount of spinach you use, depending on how much green goodness you want to pack into your meal. And of course, you can adjust the spices to suit your own palate, adding more or less heat as desired.

But no matter how you choose to make it, one thing is for certain – this Dal Palak recipe will always be a favorite in my kitchen. It reminds me of my grandmother and the love and care she put into teaching me how to cook traditional Indian dishes. It reminds me of the flavors and aromas of my childhood, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with those I love.

So the next time you're looking for a comforting and nutritious dish to warm your soul, why not give this Dal Palak recipe a try? I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows, maybe one day you'll be passing down this recipe to your own children, just like I have.