Masoor Dal with Spinach

Very healthy and easy to make.

Preparation time : 10 minutes. Cooking time : 20 minutes. Serves 4.

¾ cup masoor dal (split red lentils)
1 cup chopped spinach (palak)
1 tsp ginger-green chilli paste
a pinch turmeric powder (haldi)
3 green cardamoms (elaichi)
1 tsp cumin seeds (jeera)
3 whole dry red chillies, broken into pieces (used 1.5)
6 to 8 curry leaves
1 tsp chopped garlic
1 tbsp tamarind (imli) pulp or lemon juice
1 tsp oil
salt to taste

1. Clean, wash and soak the masoor dal in water for about 30 minutes. Drain. You can skip the masoor soaking if u wish.
2. Add the ginger-green chilli paste and turmeric powder to the dal along with 2 cups of water and pressure cook for 10 to 15 minutes, until the dal is cooked.
3. Whisk well to mash the dal. Keep aside.
4. Heat the oil in a pan, add the cardamoms and cumin seeds.
5. When the cumin seeds crackle, add the dry red chillies, curry leaves and garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
6. Add the dal, tamarind pulp, spinach and salt and ½ cup of water and bring to a boil.
7. Simmer for a few minutes and serve hot

Source: Dal book by Tarla Dalal