Dal saag - Spinach dal ( Indian Spinach and Lentil )
This Spinach Dal brings together the richness of lentils and the vibrant essence of spinach for a nourishing and delightful dish.
Servings 4
Calories 164kcal
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1 cup Split Pigeon Pea lentils Toor dal
- 1.5 cups Spinach chopped (6 to 8 oz)
- 3 cups water
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic crushed or finely chopped
Spices and tempering ingredients
- ¼ teaspoon cumin seeds
- ¼ teaspoon mustard seeds
- 2 green chili
- 1 red chili
- ½ teaspoon coriander powder
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt adjust as per your taste
- Pinch Hing optional
- 1 sprig curry leaves optional
Instructions
Cooking the lentils
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly in cold water until water runs clear before cooking to remove any impurities.
- Soak the lentils for 30 minutes or up to 8 hours before pressure cooking for a creamier texture.
- Place the rinsed dal into the pressure cooker. Add water and pressure cook the lentils.
- For a conventional stovetop pressure cooker, cook for three whistles over medium heat. If using an Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Once the lentils are cooked, set them aside.
Simmering the Dal Saag
- Begin by heating a pan and adding oil to it.
- Add cumin, mustard, and a pinch of hing (asafoetida) in the hot oil.
- Now, add garlic, red chili, and green chilies to the tempering. After about a minute, or when they lightly brown, add the chopped spinach to the pan.
- Allow the spinach leaves to cook for about 3 to 4 minutes.
- To the wilted spinach leaves, add the cooked and mashed lentils.
- Sprinkle in coriander powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Stir thoroughly and let the dal saag simmer for 4 to 5 minutes over low to medium heat.
- Adjust the consistency of the spinach dal saag by adding more water if needed.
- Now remove it from the heat and drizzle with lemon juice.
- Mix well, and your creamy and delicious Dal Saag - Spinach dal is ready to be served!
Notes
Nutrition values are my rough estimates. Please feel free to use your calculator if you rely on them for your diet.
Please check the post for Instant Pot instructions.
Nutrition
Calories: 164kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 705mg | Potassium: 79mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1083IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 2mg