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Spinach (Palak) Dal for a Healthy You!

Hey there, food enthusiasts! Today, I’m excited to share a mouthwatering and healthy recipe Spinach (Palak) Dal. This flavorful dish combines the goodness of toor dal and the nutritional powerhouse that is spinach, making it a wholesome treat for your taste buds and your health.

Dal, a staple in Indian cuisine, is not just delicious but also incredibly nutritious. Adding spinach to this traditional dish takes it to a whole new level, providing a burst of flavor and a heap of health benefits.

Spinach is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it an excellent choice for a healthy diet. It’s known for its role in promoting bone health, improving digestion, and boosting the immune system. Plus, it’s a great source of iron, which is essential for maintaining energy levels.

Now that we know how amazing spinach is, let’s dive into this easy-to-follow Spinach (Palak) Dal recipe that you can prepare in no time.

Ingredients:

For Cooking the Dal:

• 100 grams toor dal
• 1 big bunch of fresh spinach (palak)
• Small gooseberry-sized piece of tamarind
• 3 green chilies, slit
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 500 ml water
• 1 tsp ghee (clarified butter)
• Salt to taste

For Seasoning the Dal:

• 2 tbsp ghee
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
• 1/2 tsp urad dal (black gram dal)
• 3 dry red chilies
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 7 garlic cloves, crushed
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

For Cooking the Dal:

1. Prep the Toor Dal: Start by washing the toor dal thoroughly. Set it aside for later use.
2. Prepare the Pressure Cooker: Take a pressure cooker and add the washed toor dal, the entire bunch of fresh spinach (palak), tamarind, slit green chilies, turmeric powder, chili powder, 500 ml of water, and 1 tsp of ghee.
3. Cook the Mixture: Close the pressure cooker lid securely. Cook the mixture for 5 whistles – 3 on high flame and 2 on low flame. This ensures that both the dal and spinach are perfectly cooked.
4. Mash and Season: Once the pressure subsides, open the cooker carefully. Now, add salt to taste and gently mash the dal and spinach together using a ladle. Set this delicious mixture aside.

Seasoning the Dal:

1. Heat the Ghee: In a separate kadai or pan, heat 2 tbsp of ghee over medium-high heat until it melts and becomes hot.
2. Add the Aromatics: Once the ghee is hot, add cumin seeds, urad dal, mustard seeds, and the dry red chilies. Let them sizzle for a few seconds until they release their aromatic flavors.
3. Sauté the Onions: Next, add the finely chopped onion to the pan. Sauté the onions until they turn translucent and start to brown slightly.
4. Garlic and Coriander: Now, add the crushed garlic and fresh coriander leaves to the pan. Stir everything together and sauté for a couple of minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the coriander wilts.
5. Combine with Dal: Carefully transfer the seasoned mixture from the pan into the cooked dal and spinach mixture.
6. Bring to a Boil: Mix everything well, and gently heat the dal until it comes to a boil. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
7. Garnish and Serve: Once the Spinach (Palak) Dal is ready, garnish it with some fresh coriander leaves.

Now, your delightful Spinach (Palak) Dal is ready to be served. Enjoy it hot with some steamed rice and a drizzle of ghee for an extra layer of flavor and richness. This dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also provides a dose of essential nutrients, making it an excellent choice for a healthy and satisfying meal.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to your kitchen, whip up this wholesome Spinach (Palak) Dal recipe, and relish the goodness of home-cooked, nutritious food!