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Dal Palak Recipe – Palak Dal

Dal Palak is a nutritious Indian dish made with lentils and fresh spinach. Cooked with onions, tomatoes, and spices, it’s rich in flavor and often served with rice or roti for a wholesome meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course DAL
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4
Calories 680 kcal

Ingredients
  

Ingredients

  • 1 Cup Yellow moong dal (lentils)
  • 2 Cup Spinach (palak), chopped
  • 1 Onion, finely chopped
  • 2 Tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 Green chili, slit
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
  • ½ teaspoon Turmeric powder
  • ½ teaspoon Red chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon Garam masala
  • 2 tablespoon Oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander for garnish

Instructions
 

Wash the Lentils:

  • Rinse 1 cup of lentils under running water until the water is clear.

Cook the Lentils:

  • In a pot, add the rinsed lentils and 4 cups of water. Cook until soft (about 20-25 minutes) or use a pressure cooker for faster cooking (about 3 whistles).

Prepare the Spinach:

  • If using fresh spinach, wash and chop it. If frozen, just thaw it.

Make the Masala:

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee in a pan over medium heat.
  • Add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds and let them splutter.
  • Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
  • Stir in 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute.
  • Add the chopped tomato and cook until soft.

Add Spices:

  • Mix in 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon of red chili powder (if using), and salt to taste. Cook for a few minutes.

Combine Everything:

  • Add the cooked lentils and the chopped spinach to the pan. Stir well to combine.

Simmer:

  • Let it cook on low heat for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serve:

  • Garnish with fresh coriander if you like. Serve hot with rice or naan.

Notes

Creative Variations of Dal Palak to Spice Things Up! 

1. Add More Veggies for Extra Goodness
    • Want to make your Dal Palak heartier? You can easily add vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or even bottle gourd!  These veggies not only boost the nutrition but also add a tasty twist to your classic Dal Palak. It’s like a veggie party in your bowl! 
2. Dal Palak with a Creamy Coconut Twist
    • For a creamy twist, try adding coconut milk to your Dal Palak! It adds a smooth, velvety texture and a touch of sweetness, giving the dish a tropical flair. This simple upgrade makes the meal extra comforting—perfect for cozy, soothing moments. 
3. Spicy Dal Palak for the Heat Lovers
    • If you like your Dal Palak with a kick, simply toss in some extra green chilies or a pinch of garam masala. This fiery twist will definitely turn up the heat and satisfy your spice cravings! 
4. Nutty Dal Palak with Cashews & Almonds
    • For a creamy, rich texture with a nutty flavor, try adding cashews or almonds! These nuts elevate the dish, making it feel even more indulgent and adding a nice crunch. Perfect for those who love a little extra texture in their dal! 

Tips for the Perfect Dal Palak! 

Choosing the Right Lentils
To get the best texture and flavor, pick the lentils that suit your taste! For a smooth dal, go for moong dal or masoor dal, while toor dal or chana dal will give a more hearty feel. Experiment with different varieties to find your favorite! 
Cooking Spinach Just Right
Overcooking spinach can make it mushy and sad-looking. So, cook it until it wilts, but still keeps its vibrant color and texture! This way, you get that perfect balance of tenderness and crunch. 
Balancing the Spices
When adding spices, remember: balance is key! Too much chili can overpower the spinach’s natural flavor, while not enough seasoning can leave your dal bland. Taste as you go and adjust! A pinch of garam masala at the end can make all the difference. 
Adjusting the Consistency
Whether you like your Dal Palak thick and stew-like or more soupy, it’s all about adding the right amount of water or stock. Start with a little, then simmer until you reach your ideal consistency. 
Vegan & Gluten-Free Tips
Dal Palak is naturally vegan and gluten-free! For a vegan touch, swap ghee or butter for coconut oil or any plant-based oil. Just make sure your spices are gluten-free if you're avoiding it! 

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Dal Palak Recipe – Palak Dal
Amount per Serving
Calories
680
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
22
g
34
%
Saturated Fat
 
3
g
19
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
17
g
Sodium
 
600
mg
26
%
Potassium
 
1200
mg
34
%
Carbohydrates
 
95
g
32
%
Fiber
 
24
g
100
%
Sugar
 
10
g
11
%
Protein
 
34
g
68
%
Vitamin A
 
8000
IU
160
%
Vitamin B1
 
0.3
mg
20
%
Vitamin B2
 
0.2
mg
12
%
Vitamin B3
 
2
mg
10
%
Vitamin B5
 
0.5
mg
5
%
Vitamin B6
 
0.5
mg
25
%
Vitamin C
 
30
mg
36
%
Vitamin E
 
2
mg
13
%
Vitamin K
 
500
µg
476
%
Calcium
 
200
mg
20
%
Iron
 
5
mg
28
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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