Dhaba Style Dal Palak Recipe
Experience the authentic taste of North Indian cuisine with this hearty, high-protein vegetarian dish. Made with a blend of nutritious toor dal (Arhar dal) and fresh spinach, this dal palak is the perfect comfort food for lunch or dinner. Paired with steamed rice or phulkas, it’s a fulfilling and delicious meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arhar dal (Split Toor Dal) – washed | 1 cup |
| Spinach leaves (Palak) – finely chopped | 2 cups |
| Sunflower oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion – finely chopped | 1 |
| Tomato – finely chopped | 1 |
| Green chilies – slit | 2 |
| Ginger – finely chopped | 2 inches |
| Garlic – finely chopped | 4 cloves |
| Garam masala powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt – to taste | As needed |
| Lemon – juice extracted | 1 |
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic – sliced thin | 2 cloves |
| Dry red chilies | 2 |
Preparation Time: 10 mins
Cooking Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Servings: 4
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Instructions
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Prepare the Spinach: Begin by adding the finely chopped spinach to a pressure cooker along with 2 tablespoons of water. Pressure cook for one whistle and then turn off the heat. Release the pressure immediately to preserve the vibrant green color of the spinach. Set the spinach aside.
-
Cook the Base: Heat sunflower oil in the same pressure cooker. Add cumin seeds and allow them to crackle. Then, add the chopped onion, ginger, and garlic. Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent.
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Add Tomatoes & Spices: Once the onions have softened, add the chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, and green chilies. Sauté until the tomatoes turn slightly soft and blend with the spices.
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Cook the Dal: Add the washed toor dal (Arhar dal) to the cooker along with salt to taste. Pour in 2 1/2 cups of water and mix well. Close the pressure cooker lid and cook for 4 to 5 whistles. Turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally.
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Combine Spinach and Dal: After the pressure has released, open the cooker and add the cooked spinach (palak) to the dal. Give everything a brisk boil to incorporate the flavors. Taste and adjust the salt if needed. Turn off the heat and set the dal aside.
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Prepare the Tadka: In a separate small pan (tadka pan), heat ghee. Add cumin seeds, dry red chilies, and thinly sliced garlic. Sauté until the garlic turns golden and fragrant. Once done, pour this hot tadka over the dal palak and stir gently to combine.
-
Finish & Serve: Finally, squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and give the dal a final stir. Serve the Dhaba Style Dal Palak hot with steamed rice or phulkas. It also pairs wonderfully with a side of Sindhi Karela Bhaji for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this delicious dal with steamed rice for a comforting meal or with phulkas for a lighter option.
- For a balanced plate, serve alongside Sindhi Karela Bhaji (bitter gourd stir-fry) for a delicious contrast in flavors.
This Dhaba Style Dal Palak brings the rustic, bold flavors of Indian roadside eateries (dhabas) straight to your kitchen. With its rich spices and vibrant greens, it’s a dish that celebrates the simplicity and wholesomeness of traditional Indian cooking. Enjoy the ultimate comfort food, packed with protein and bursting with flavor!
