DAL PALAK

Dal Palak in hindi and cheera-parippu curry in malayalam. This is a good curry to sneak in a good amount of spinach. We have this with rice and potato stir fry.

INGREDIENTS

1. 1 cup dal, soaked
2. 2 handfuls of palak(spinach), chopped( upto 200 gms)
3. 2 Tbsp. oil
4. 4 garlic cloves, chopped
5. 1 green chili
6. 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
7. 2 Tbsp. chopped onions
8. 1 tsp cumin seeds/powder
9. 1 tsp cumin powder
10. 1 tsp chili powder
11. 3 cups water
12. salt to taste

METHOD

•  Heat a pressure cooker. When warm add oil, when the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds, if cumin powder is used, then add it along with the spice powders. 
• When the cumin seeds are seasoned(blooms), add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté, and then add in the spice powders.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Now add in the washed dal , 2 cups of water , spinach and salt to taste. Close the lid and pressure cook for 3 whistles on high flame .
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• After the pressure releases naturally, open, check for salt. Dilute with 1 cup of boiling water. Dal Palak is ready.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  NOTES


• Can add chopped tomatoes while sautéing or add the tomatoes as a garnish just before you turn off the stove. Tomatoes can be used instead of spinach as well. 
• Don't dilute the dal too much especially if you are having with chappathis.