A nutritious and flavorful Indian dish made with a mix of lentils and spinach, cooked together in one pot for a quick and easy meal.

One Pot Palak Dal recipe
Prep Time
10min
Cook Time
30min
Total Time
40min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 cup)

Lentils and Greens

  • Toor Dal
    Toor Dal
    1/2cup
  • Chana Dal
    Chana Dal
    1/2cup
  • Masoor Dal
    Masoor Dal
    1/4cup
  • Palak
    Palak
    1bundle

Vegetables and Spices

  • Onion
    Onion
    1
  • Tomato
    Tomato
    1
  • Green chili
    Green chili
    1
  • Ghee
    Ghee
    1tbsp
  • Garlic
    Garlic
    1tbsp
  • Cumin seeds
    Cumin seeds
    1tsp
  • Kashmiri chili powder
    Kashmiri chili powder
    1tsp
  • Turmeric powder
    Turmeric powder
    1tsp
  • Coriander powder
    Coriander powder
    1tsp
  • Cumin powder
    Cumin powder
    1/2tsp
  • Asafetida
    Asafetida
    1/4tsp
  • Water
    Water
    2 1/2cup
  • Salt
    Salt
    1

Oil

  • Mustard oil
    Mustard oil
    1tbsp

How to make One Pot Palak Dal

Cooking the Lentils

  1. Step 1

    Rinse the Toor Dal, Chana Dal, and Masoor Dal under cold water until the water runs clear.

  2. Step 2

    In a large pot, heat the mustard oil over medium heat.

  3. Step 3

    Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

  4. Step 4

    Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.

  5. Step 5

    Stir in the garlic and green chili, cooking for another minute.

  6. Step 6

    Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften.

  7. Step 7

    Add the rinsed lentils, turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, Kashmiri chili powder, asafetida, and salt.

  8. Step 8

    Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil.

  9. Step 9

    Reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer until the lentils are cooked through.

Adding Spinach

  1. Step 1

    Once the lentils are cooked, add the chopped palak and mix well.

  2. Step 2

    Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the spinach wilts.

  3. Step 3

    Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Finishing Touches

  1. Step 1

    Serve hot with rice or roti.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

168.8kcal (8.44%)

Protein

9.4g (18.76%)

Carbs

23.1g (8.41%)

Sugars

1.4g (2.76%)

Healthy Fat

5.0g

Unhealthy Fat

1.4g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. You can add other vegetables like carrots or potatoes for extra nutrition.

  2. Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer green chilies.

  3. For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of cream or coconut milk before serving.

FAQS

  1. How do I cook One Pot Palak Dal to ensure the lentils are perfectly tender?

    To ensure your lentils are perfectly tender in One Pot Palak Dal, rinse the Toor Dal, Chana Dal, and Masoor Dal thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. After sautéing the spices and vegetables, add the rinsed lentils along with the water and bring it to a boil. Then, reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer until the lentils are fully cooked, which usually takes about 20-30 minutes.

  2. Can I make One Pot Palak Dal vegan or vegetarian?

    Yes, you can easily make One Pot Palak Dal vegan by substituting the ghee with a plant-based oil like coconut oil or olive oil. This dish is naturally vegetarian as it primarily consists of lentils and spinach, making it a great option for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet.

  3. What are some good substitutions for ingredients in One Pot Palak Dal?

    If you don't have Toor Dal, Chana Dal, or Masoor Dal, you can substitute them with other lentils like red lentils or split peas. For the spinach, you can use other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard. Additionally, if you don't have mustard oil, any cooking oil can work, but mustard oil adds a unique flavor to the dish.

  4. How should I store leftover One Pot Palak Dal?

    To store leftover One Pot Palak Dal, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it in portions. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

  5. What can I serve with One Pot Palak Dal for a complete meal?

    One Pot Palak Dal pairs wonderfully with steamed basmati rice or warm roti for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a side of yogurt or a fresh salad to balance the flavors. For an extra kick, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a side of pickles.

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