Dhal (Lentil) and Spinach Curry (v) (gf) (lf)

smitsfoodblog-lentil and spinach curry This is a similar recipe to dhal only less liquid so instead of a soup we create a spicy vegetarian dish.

Its great with rice, roti breads, as a dip or a side dish.

Use any type of lentils. Pre soak for a minimum 2 hours prior to cooking.

Add carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin to create new flavors.
Serves 6 Preparation time Pre soaking time plus 15 min
Cooking time 1 hour
Start – Ingredients
  • 2 cups red lentils  (or chana or toor dhal, yellow lentils, split peas)
  • 4 cups water or stock
  • 1 bunch fresh spinach – chopped
  • 2 tsp turmeric powder or 1 tsp if fresh turmeric is used
  • 2 tsp cumin powder
  • 2 tlsp ghee, coconut or veg oil
  • 2 tsp cumin seeds
  • 2 tsp black mustard seeds
  • 6 dried chilies whole
  • 2 tsp fresh masala (garlic, ginger, chili paste)
  • 1 tsp fresh turmeric root – grated (optional)
  • 2-3 tlsp palm or brown sugar
  • 1 lemon – juiced
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp asafoetida powder

Optional

  • 1 tsp fresh turmeric grated (optional)
  • 1-2 cups sweet potato, pumpkin, carrots diced
  smitsfoodblog - dhal ingredients

smitsfoodblog-spinach
# Steps Image
1 Wash the lentils multiple times until the water runs clear  smitsfoodblog - red lentils
2 Soak in warm water for a minimum of 2 hours or overnight and drain the water  smitsfoodblog - red lentils soaked
3 Place the lentils, 4 cups of water, turmeric and cumin powders in a large pot and bring to boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer until the lentils are soft and flaky – approx. 45-60 min. (or use a pressure cooker to reduce cooking time).  smitsfoodblog-red lentils
4 Add or remove liquid to control thickness of the dhal.(optional)  
5 Assemble and prepare remaining ingredients

In a large pot or a fry pan, melt the ghee/oil over a high heat

  smitsfoodblog - melt ghee
6 Add black mustard seeds, place on the lid and quickly sauté until they crackle, remove pot from the heat  smitsfoodblog - sauté mustard seeds
7 Add cumin seeds and dried whole chilies and fry for 1 min,

place pot back on a low heat and add the fresh masala and the asafoetida powder and fry for 2-3 min

  smitsfoodblog - dhal spices
8 Pour the cooked lentils into the spice mix and stir through  smitsfoodblog-spicy red lentils
9  Add spinach,sugar, salt and lemon juice and stir well

Garnish  with fresh coriander optional)

  smitsfoodblog-spicy red lentils and spinach

Dhal (Lentil) and Spinach Curry
Tips to Create
Add diced vegetables during step 3

Use other legumes – chana or toor dhal, yellow lentils, split peas, cooking times may vary

smitsfoodblog - chana dhal

chana dhal ingredients
Good Luck and Enjoy!