Lentils (Dal) are a ready source of proteins for vegetarians. Easy to cook, light on the stomach and sumptuous accompaniment with the rice / roti.

There are a lot of different recipes which can be prepared with varieties of lentils. You can cook it plain or add veggies or greens to it to make it more nutritious.

Here is a recipe of my favourite Palak (Spinach) Dal:

INGREDIENTS:

Toor dal – 3/4 cup

Baby Spinach / spinach – 2.5 cups – finely chopped

Onion – 1 finely chopped

Ginger – 1/2 inch

Garlic – 1 clove – finely chopped

Green chillies – 2(or more) if needed – finely chopped

Tomato – 1 – finely chopped

Lemon – juice from 1/2 lemon

Water – 1.5 cups

Turmeric powder – 1/2 tsp

Salt – to taste

For tempering:

Cooking oil / ghee – 2 tsp

Cumin seeds / Jeera – 1 tsp

METHOD:

In a pressure cooker, heat the oil and add jeera.

Once it splutters, add the chopped green chillies, ginger, garlic and onions. Sauté till the onions are translucent.

Now add the tomatoes and sauté till the tomatoes are mushy.

Add the chopped spinach and mix well before adding the turmeric and salt.

Add the washed toor dal and water.

Pressure cook for 2-3 whistles.

Once cooked, add 1/2 lemon juice and mix well.

Serve hot with rice or chapathi / roti.