Palak Dal Spinach and Lentils

Prep Time: 0 hours, 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hours, 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chana dal (a yellow lentil), washed.
• 5 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• salt to taste
• 1 package frozen chopped spinach (10 ounces) or 1 bunch spinach chopped.
• 3 cloves garlic chopped
• 1 onion chopped
• 1 tomato chopped or 3 tablespoons tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon chopped green chili
• 4 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• cilantro to garnish

Preparation:

• Cook the dal in the 5 cups of water with turmeric and salt for 30 minutes. Add the spinach and cook until the spinach is tender and mixed with the lentils - about 35-50 minutes.
• In a separate pan heat the oil, add the cumin seeds and as they pop add the onions. Brown the onions.
• Add the garlic, tomatoes, green chili, coriander, garam masala, red chili powder, stir 2 minutes.
• Add the daal and spinach and lemon juice, stir and heat through.
• Garnish with cilantro and serve hot with pita or chapati or basmati rice.

Thanks to my Indian cooking teacher Sunita.