Malabar Spinach Dal / Lentil Curry (South Indian style)

 

            This is a simple homemade style Malabar Spinach Dal that is popular in most of the regions of India but with slight variations in the method of cooking and in the choice of ingredients. Today I bring to you the South Indian version. 

           

 

          Whichever way this Dal and Malabar Spinach combo is cooked, it simply tastes delicious. It is equally healthy and nutritious as it is loaded with iron and proteins which is very essential for a well balanced diet. 

          Enjoy it with hot steamed rice and a drizzle of some ghee / melted butter for a divine experience and a wholesome meal. So check out the step by step pictorial recipe to prepare this regional delicacy.
          

Ingredients - 

• 1/2 cup tuvar dal 
• 2 cup malabar spinach, chopped
• 1 tbsp. oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp. garlic, chopped
• 2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1/2 tsp. turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp. roasted cumin powder
• 1 tsp. red chili powder
• 1 tsp. roasted coriander powder
• salt to taste 

Tempering - 

• 2 tbsp. oil
• 2 dry red chilies, broken
• 1/2 tsp. mustard seeds
• 1/2 tsp. cumin seeds
• 1 sprig curry leaves

          Pressure cook the dal with 1 cup water for 3-4 whistles. Give it a whisk and keep aside. 

          Heat oil in a pan. Sauté the onion, garlic and green chilies till light brown. 

          Add the chopped tomato and all the dry spices (except salt). Sprinkle some water and stir fry till it is completely mashed. 

          Now add the chopped greens and cook, covered till it is wilted and the moisture has evaporated. 

          Add the boiled dal and salt to taste. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if required. Simmer on a low flame for 2-3 minutes. When done, switch off the flame and transfer to a serving bowl. 

          For the tempering - Heat oil in a small pan and temper with all the mentioned ingredients. Sauté for a few seconds or till the mustard seeds stops spluttering. 

          Pour this tempering over the prepared dal and serve with hot steamed rice and a drizzle of some ghee / melted butter for a divine experience and a soul satisfying meal.

Pressure cook the dal with 1 cup water for 3-4 whistles. Give it a whisk & keep aside. 

  Heat oil in a pan. Sauté the onion, garlic & green chilies till light brown. 

               Add the chopped tomato & all the dry spices (except salt). 

                Sprinkle some water & stir fry till it is completely mashed. 

Add the chopped greens & cook, covered till it is wilted & the moisture has evaporated. 

Add the boiled dal & salt to taste. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if required. Simmer on a low flame for 2-3 minutes. 

           When done, switch off the flame & transfer to a serving bowl. 

For the tempering - Heat oil in a small pan & temper with all the mentioned ingredients. Sauté for a few seconds or till the mustard seeds stops spluttering. 

                 Pour this tempering over the prepared dal.

                       Serve with hot steamed rice or chapattis.