Divine Lentil Spinach Dhal

Feating at home!

This Lentil Dhal with Spinach Sauce is one of the most delicious, soul-satisfying plant-based, Indian meals! This version is fragrant, flavorful and packed with nutrients!

This recipe was such a comforting meal to make this week. I took great pleasure in preparing it and of course more pleasure indulging in it!

Not only is it wholesome and nutritious, but it is also bursting with authentic Indian flavor -and honestly, I can’t wait to make it again!

Spinach Lentil Dal- an Indian lentil recipe with a flavorful spinach sauce that is full of flavor and nutrients and that can be made in 30 minutes. Serve with Basmati Rice, and/or naan bread!

Here’s what you need!

Ingredients:

• 2–3 tablespoons coconut oil

• 1 onion, diced

• 4 cloves garlic, rough chopped

• 2 tablespoons ginger, finely chopped

• 1 medium jalapeno, finely chopped

• 1 teaspoon black mustard seeds

• 2 teaspoons cumin seeds

• 2 teaspoons garam masala

• 500 grams baby spinach (fresh or frozen)

• 10 mint leaves (optional)

• 2 tablespoons water (if using fresh spinach)

• 3/4 cup water

• 1/2 cup coconut yogurt

• 3–4 cups cooked black lentils or French green lentils

• 1 teaspoon salt

• Garnish -dates (optional)

Preparation:

If cooking black lentils and basmati rice, start them first as they take the longest time.

• Making the Spinach Sauce:

  • Sautée the onion in coconut oil in a large pan, over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, then add garlic, ginger and chilies.

  • Sauté until fragrant and golden. Add the mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and garam masala and stir two-three minutes

  • Lower heat to low. Add the fresh spinach, mint and water. Cover pan, 2-3 minutes, letting spinach wilt. Give a few stirs.

• Blending the Spinach Sauce:

  • Place the wiled spinach mixture in a blender and add 3/4 cup water.

  • Pulse and few times. If you want a smooth sauce, blend until smooth. I left a little texture here. Pour it back into the pan, set on low heat.

• Combine:

  • Mix in the coconut yogurt, lentils and salt.

  • Adjust salt to your liking, adding more if necessary! You want this slightly salty because you are serving over rice which will mellow it out a lot. For more heat add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes.

  • Optional to garnish with chopped dates to add a bit of sweetness to the dhal.

• Serve with the basmati rice and naan bread!

Et voila!!

Bon appetit!