Dhaba Style Dal Palak Recipe: A North Indian Comfort Dish
Description:
The Dhaba Style Dal Palak is a delightful and wholesome dish that perfectly blends the earthy flavors of split toor dal (Arhar dal) with the freshness of spinach. Known for its simplicity and robust taste, this one-pot recipe is easy to prepare and a perfect choice for a nutritious meal on hot summer days. A beloved comfort food in North Indian households and popular at roadside dhabas, Dal Palak offers a satisfying meal that pairs beautifully with rice or phulkas. Whether you’re new to Indian cuisine or a seasoned cook, this dish promises to bring warmth and flavor to your kitchen.
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arhar dal (Split Toor Dal) | 1 cup (washed) |
| Spinach Leaves (Palak) | 2 cups (finely chopped) |
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Tomato | 1, finely chopped |
| Green Chillies | 2, slit |
| Ginger | 2-inch piece, finely chopped |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, finely chopped |
| Garam masala powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Lemon | 1, juice extracted |
For the Tadka:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, sliced thin |
| Dry Red Chillies | 2, broken |
Preparation Time
| Time |
|---|
| 10 minutes |
Cooking Time
| Time |
|---|
| 20 minutes |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Spinach:
Start by adding the finely chopped spinach to a pressure cooker along with 2 tablespoons of water. Pressure cook for 1 whistle, then turn off the heat. Release the pressure immediately to retain the fresh green color of the spinach. Set the spinach aside. -
Cook the Dal:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in the pressure cooker. Add the cumin seeds and let them crackle. Then, add the chopped onions, ginger, and garlic, sautéing until the onions become soft and translucent. -
Flavor the Base:
Add the chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, green chilies, and garam masala powder to the cooked onions. Sauté until the tomatoes soften and the oil begins to separate from the spices. -
Add the Dal:
Stir in the washed toor dal along with salt to taste. Add 2 ½ cups of water, and close the pressure cooker. Cook for 4 to 5 whistles, then turn off the heat. Allow the pressure to release naturally. -
Combine Spinach and Dal:
Once the pressure has released, open the cooker and add the cooked spinach (palak) to the dal. Give the mixture a brisk boil and turn off the heat. Taste and adjust the salt as needed. -
Prepare the Tadka (Tempering):
In a small pan, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee. Add the cumin seeds, dry red chilies, and garlic slices. Sauté until the garlic turns golden and the spices crackle. -
Final Touches:
Pour the sizzling tadka over the dal and spinach mixture. Stir well to infuse the flavors. Finally, squeeze in the juice of one lemon for a burst of freshness. -
Serving Suggestions:
Transfer the Dhaba Style Dal Palak to a serving bowl. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, phulkas (Indian flatbread), or even alongside a side of Sindhi Karela Bhaji for a wholesome meal. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting taste of this traditional North Indian delicacy.
Tips for a Perfect Dhaba Style Dal Palak:
- For a richer flavor, you can add a dollop of ghee to the dal while serving.
- Adjust the consistency of the dal by adding more or less water, depending on whether you prefer a thicker or thinner consistency.
- Spice level: If you prefer more heat, you can add an extra green chili or increase the number of dry red chilies in the tadka.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of asafetida (hing) along with the cumin seeds during the tempering stage.
This Dhaba Style Dal Palak is the perfect meal for a nutritious lunch or dinner. It’s quick, flavorful, and packed with the goodness of spinach and dal, making it an excellent source of protein for vegetarians. Enjoy this beloved North Indian dish that brings the taste of the streets of India right into your home!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
| Potassium | 350mg |
| Vitamin A | 25% DV |
| Vitamin C | 40% DV |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on ingredients used.
