Spinach Dal (Palak Pappu) Recipe
Description:
Palak Pappu, or Spinach Dal, is a popular and nutritious South Indian dish that blends the rich flavors of lentils and fresh spinach, resulting in a hearty and comforting meal. Perfectly paired with steamed rice and a dollop of ghee, this dish is a healthy yet delicious choice for lunch or dinner. Full of protein and flavors from tempered spices, this dish is a true comfort food, especially on days when you seek something easy yet nourishing.
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tuvar (Arhar) Dal | 1/2 cup |
| Mustard Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin Seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Fenugreek Seeds | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Chana Dal (Gram Dal) | 2 tablespoons |
| Turmeric Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Curry Leaves | A few |
| Asafoetida | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Tamarind Paste | 25 grams |
| Tomatoes | 1 cup (chopped) |
| Spinach | 2 cups (cleaned and chopped) |
| Green Chilies | 3 (finely chopped) |
| Garlic | 2 tablespoons (finely chopped) |
| Onion | 1/2 (chopped) |
| Salt | As per taste |
| Oil | As needed |
Preparation Time
| Time |
|---|
| 10 minutes |
Cooking Time
| Time |
|---|
| 40 minutes |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dal:
- In a pressure cooker, add the toor (tuvar) dal along with turmeric powder and 1 teaspoon of oil. Cook for 2 whistles on medium heat. Once done, mash the dal and set it aside.
-
Tempering the Spices:
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, and chana dal. Cook for about 15 seconds until aromatic.
-
Flavoring the Base:
- Add curry leaves, asafoetida, chopped green chilies, and garlic to the pan. Sauté for another 15 seconds, then add the chopped onions. Stir and cook until the onions turn soft and golden.
-
Cooking the Tomatoes and Spinach:
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften. Follow with the chopped spinach, stirring occasionally until the spinach wilts and blends with the other ingredients.
-
Adding Tamarind and Turmeric:
- Stir in the tamarind paste (keeping a small amount aside for later) along with a pinch of turmeric powder. Let the mixture come to a gentle boil.
-
Combining the Dal:
- Add the cooked dal into the pan along with salt and 1/2 cup of water. Stir everything well, allowing the flavors to meld together.
-
Final Touch:
- Taste the dal and adjust the salt or tamarind paste according to your preference. Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, ensuring all the ingredients blend perfectly.
-
Serve:
- Serve the hot Palak Pappu with steamed rice, ghee, and a side of Beetroot Thoran for a fulfilling lunch or dinner.
Tips for Best Results:
- To make the dal extra creamy, feel free to mash it more before adding it to the spinach mixture.
- Adjust the tamarind paste according to your desired level of tanginess.
- For a spicy twist, increase the number of green chilies or add a pinch of red chili powder.
- Pair with your favorite vegetable thoran or curry to complete the meal.
This Spinach Dal (Palak Pappu) is a wholesome, high-protein dish that makes for an excellent addition to any meal, and its simplicity makes it ideal for busy weekdays. Enjoy this nutritious delight with your loved ones!
