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Ever since I can remember I always used to have my meals while watching TV, and to tell you the truth even now I watch TV during lunch and dinner at home. Call it a good or a bad habit, watching TV while having food has grown into more than a habit, it has now almost become an addiction. The only difference that I have felt is the channels have changed during this time period. During my childhood it was Tom and Jerry show and then I graduated to watching comedy series. Right now, my meal time is scheduled for drama, crime thrillers.
One series, that was very close to heart was Popeye. This sailor who eats cans of spinach was one of my favorites cartoons while growing up. I love spinach and so does Popeye, so I was able to connect to him. A few days back when I was preparing this dal palang for dinner, I was thinking this handsome guy :).
Spinach with its greeny leaves is one of the best sources of plant nutrition. It contains loads of soluble dietary fibers and is a very good for a weight reducing diet. Red lentil also has high calcium content and dietary fibers. So, this simple preparation of dal palang or dal palak, however you want to call it is great for a healthy diet.
Dal Palang
- 1 cup red lentil
- 1 cup spinach, washed and cleaned
- 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- 3-4 red chili
- 1 tablespoon mustard oil
- Salt to taste
- 3 cups of water
- Wash the red lentils thoroughly. Pour water in a deep bottom saucepan and let it simmer. Add the red lentil to the simmering water, season with salt and wait till the dal is half cooked. Using a ladle discard the scum
- Thow in the spinach and cook till the dal is fully cooked
- Heat the oil in a skillet, put in the cumin seeds and red chili. As the seeds start to sputter pour it in the cooked dal. Add the spices and boil for 3-4 minutes more. Serve with warm rice or chapati.
Hot Tips- If you are knew to the kitchen, the best way to know if the dal is half cooked is to press one of the lentils with your thumb and if you feel a hard core, the dal is half cooked.
You can also try the moong dal version of dal palang from ecurry.
Don’t forget to enter for a chance to win 4 different simmer sauces from Saffron Road Food. Click the image to know the rules. Just 6 days to go.
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Tried the recipe….very healthy for my daughter as well as us….she loves is….
Thank you Amrita 🙂
Drool inducing photo indeed 🙂 Your Dal looks perfect !
All time favorite – with moth mung and masoor dal. Thanks much for the mention Sudeshna!
Dal with lot of iron shakti…:)