Authentic Dal Palak Recipe: Flavorful Indian Lentil and Spinach Curry

30 minutes

715 reads

4 from 3 votes

About Authentic Dal Palak Recipe: Flavorful Indian Lentil and Spinach Curry

Discover the vibrant flavors of Dal Palak, a beloved Indian dish where creamy moong dal (yellow lentils) harmonizes perfectly with tender spinach. This simple yet satisfying vegetarian curry is bursting with aromatic spices, creating a wholesome and delicious meal perfect for any occasion.
Our recipe guides you through each step, from pressure cooking the lentils to expertly tempering the spices. The result is a comforting, nutritious dish that's ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Serve it with fluffy rice, warm naan bread, or roti for a truly authentic experience.
Learn how to elevate your culinary skills with this easy-to-follow recipe, perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks alike. Get ready to savor the rich, earthy flavors and vibrant green hue of this classic Indian culinary masterpiece!
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Recipe Time & More

Prep10 minutes
Cook20 minutes
Total30 minutes
Calories371 kcal
Serves4
Served AsDinnerLunch
Recipe TasteCrunchySaltySpicy

Ingredients
 

Dal & Spinach

  • 1 cup Mung Bean also known as split yellow pigeon peas; rinsed, yellow
  • 10 oz Spinach fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped

Spices & Aromatics

Other

  • 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil or ghee for a richer flavor
  • 1 cup Water or as needed for desired consistency
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Instructions
 

Prepare the Dal

  • Pressure cook the rinsed moong dal with 1 cup of water until soft and mushy (approximately 3-4 whistles in a pressure cooker).
  • Once the pressure releases naturally, lightly mash the cooked dal with a spoon or potato masher.

Prepare the Spinach

  • Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted (about 2-3 minutes).
  • Drain the spinach well and roughly chop it again to further reduce its size.

Temper the Spices

  • Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
  • Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let them splutter for about 20 seconds.
  • Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in the turmeric powder and red chili powder for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Combine and Simmer

  • Add the mashed dal, chopped spinach, and salt to the pan.
  • Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
  • Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Add a little more water if a thinner consistency is desired.

Serve

  • Serve hot with steamed rice, roti, naan, or chapati.

Recipe Notes

Expert Tips for the Best Dal Palak

  • For a smoother texture, you can blend the cooked dal slightly before adding it to the pan.
  • Don't overcook the spinach; it should be tender but still retain some of its vibrant green color.
  • Adjust the amount of red chili powder to control the spiciness according to your preference.
  • Garnish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro before serving for an extra burst of flavor and freshness.
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4 from 3 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 371kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 24gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.4gSodium: 855mgFiber: 15gSugar: 2g

Bhumika Gandhi
Bhumika Gandhi
Articles: 72
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4 from 3 votes

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