Spinach and Dal

Spinach is probably not always the most popular on the dining table – with kids and adults. But the nutrition Spinach is no secret and it has be included as often as possible in our diets. Here is an easy way to make our everyday Dal a little bit more nutritious by including spinach in it. With the nutrition from Spinach, the Potato chips can be justified to some extent.

Simple Spinach and Lentils

Kind of Food: Side
How long: 20 minutes
Makes: 2 cups
Pots & Pans:Small Pot

Ingredients
1/2 cup Split Mung Dal (yellow lentils) – Soaked in warm water for 20 mins
1 tsp cooking oil
1/2 tsp black mustard seeds
1/2 tsp Cumin
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
1 small red chili (optional – if you need some heat in this dal)
2 cups chopped spinach ( fresh or frozen – thawed, chopped finely)
Salt 1/2 tsp (or to taste)

How to make
Soak the Dal in a cup of warm water before you start the recipe. By the time you do the chopping and prep, it will be about 15 min. So don’t worry if you do not have the time to soak it ahead of time. Place a small pot on medium heat. Place the oil in the pan and heat for about a minute. Add in the mustard seeds, cumin, turmeric and red chili(optional) and wait till the mustard seeds crackle. Add in the chopped spinach. Give it a good toss and saute for 3-4 mins. Add the soaked dal along with the water and add another 1/4 cup of water to it. Cook for about 10 mins on medium heat. Do not cover the dal. Cook till the dal is cooked tender. Add salt. Serve hot with Rice or Roti.

Keep it Smart, Short and Sazzy! – Anu

Tips, Tricks and Alternatives
Can use Methi, Mustard greens, Chard, Swiss Chard, Red Chard, Khel – any greens instead of spinach
Yellow lentils or Mung cook quickly after soaking or directly on the pot. Toor or Channa are not easily cooked without longer soaking or in a pressure cooker
Can use the pressure cook the Dal too or use left over Plain cooked dal

Serving Ideas
Serve with a few potato chips (Its ok! they are getting the spinach in anyways)
Great with just plain rice and Ghee
Serve with Rotis or any kind of bread
Stuff in a tortilla along with rice and make a quick burrito!