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Healthy Indian Spinach Dal

By the Healthy Plate team

Spinach Dal

Dal is one of India's most famous and healthiest dishes — yellow lentils cooked with warming spices and iron-rich spinach.

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Benefits

  • Excellent plant protein
  • Rich in iron from lentils and spinach
  • Low glycaemic index

Spinach Dal

10 minPrep
25 minCook
4Servings
230kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup yellow lentils
  • 3 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Method

  1. Rinse lentils and cook with 3 cups water and turmeric for 20 minutes.
  2. In another pan, sauté onion and garlic in oil.
  3. Add cumin and spinach; cook until wilted.
  4. Mix spinach into the lentils and serve with brown rice or bread.
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Tip

Add lemon juice just before serving — it lifts the flavour and helps iron absorption.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, and it works great! Thaw first and squeeze out the excess water.

What type of lentil should I use?

Yellow or red (split) lentils cook faster and give a creamy texture.

Is it kid-friendly?

Yes — thin it with milk if the child prefers it softer, and serve with bread fingers.

⚠️ For general education only. If you have a health condition or allergy, consult your doctor.