Name: Spinach Lentil Dal
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 2 Servings
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 large onion; 2 clove garlic; 1 tsp grated fresh ginger; 1 chili pepper; ¾ cup red lentils; 2 teaspoons vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon garam masala; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon ground coriander; ½ teaspoon turmeric; ¾ cup water; 1 can diced tomatoes; ⅔ cup coconut milk; 7–9 ounces frozen spinach; 1 teaspoon peanut, almond, or cashew butter (or tahini); salt and pepper; juice of ½ lemon

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Spinach Lentil Dal

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Ingredients

Warning0 allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

Peel and finely dice the onion and garlic. Grate the ginger, slice the chili pepper into thin rings, and remove the seeds if necessary. Rinse the lentils thoroughly in a colander

Heat a teaspoon of oil in a pot, add the onions and sauté with a pinch of salt until translucent. Once the onions are translucent, gradually add a splash of water and continue to sauté over medium heat for another five minutes, until soft and aromatic.

Add the remaining oil, garlic, ginger, chili, and spices, and sauté briefly. Add the lentils and sauté for 20-30 seconds, then deglaze with water. Pour in the diced tomatoes and coconut milk, stir well, and simmer the lentil dal for 15 minutes with the lid on over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

After 15 minutes, add the spinach and simmer gently, covered, for another five minutes.

Stir the nut butter into the dal and season with salt, pepper and lemon juice; serve with side dishes of your choice.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Lentil Prep Magic 🌱
Rinse red lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent a mushy texture, ensuring a perfect dal consistency.
Spice Bloom Technique 🌶️
Toast whole spices or ground spices in oil for 30-45 seconds before adding liquid to unlock their deep, complex flavors and enhance the dal's aromatic profile.
Frozen Spinach Pro Tip 🧊
Squeeze out excess moisture from frozen spinach using a clean kitchen towel to prevent watering down the dal and maintain a rich, concentrated flavor.
Nutty Butter Upgrade 🥜
Stir in the nut butter or tahini at the very end of cooking to create a luxurious, creamy texture and add depth to the dal's flavor profile.
Acid Balance Trick 🍋
Add the lemon juice just before serving to brighten the entire dish and cut through the richness of the coconut milk and spices.