Ingredients
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1 cup Toor dal (pigeon peas)
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2 cups, chopped Spinach (Cheera)
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1, finely chopped Onion
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1, finely chopped Tomato
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2, slit Green chilies
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1-inch piece, grated Ginger
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2 cloves, minced Garlic
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1 sprig Curry leaves
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1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
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1 tsp Red chili powder
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1 tsp Coriander powder
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1 tsp Cumin seeds
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1/2 tsp Mustard seeds
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Salt – to taste
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2 tbsp Oil
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1/2 cup (optional for a creamy texture) Coconut milk
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Water – as needed
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For tempering
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1 tbsp Coconut oil
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1/2 tsp Mustard seeds
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1-2 ry red chilies
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Curry leaves – a few
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1-2 cloves, sliced Garlic
Directions
This comforting and healthy curry combines the goodness of toor dal (pigeon peas) and fresh spinach. We’ve used green spinach in this recipe, but you can also opt for red spinach (a variation known as “Chena Cheera”) for a slightly different flavor and color profile. The curry is cooked with aromatic spices like turmeric, coriander powder, and red chili powder, along with a fragrant tempering of mustard seeds, garlic, and curry leaves. The dal adds a rich texture, while the spinach provides a vibrant and nutritious punch. Whether you choose green or red spinach, this dish is sure to bring a burst of flavors to your table, perfect for pairing with rice or chapati.
Note: Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving: These values can vary based on ingredients and portion size.
Steps
1
Done
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Cook the dalWash the toor dal thoroughly. In a pressure cooker, cook the dal with 2 cups of water, turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt for 3-4 whistles until soft and mushy. If cooking in a regular pot, it might take longer. |
2
Done
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Prepare the spinachWash and chop the spinach leaves finely. Set aside. |
3
Done
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Saute vegetablesIn a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil. Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Once they splutter, add chopped onions, curry leaves, and slit green chilies. Saute until the onions turn translucent. |
4
Done
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Add ginger and garlicAdd the grated ginger and minced garlic. Saute for 1-2 minutes until aromatic. |
5
Done
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Add tomatoes and spicesAdd chopped tomatoes, red chili powder, coriander powder, and a pinch of salt. Cook until the tomatoes soften. |
6
Done
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Add spinachAdd the chopped spinach to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until it wilts down. |
7
Done
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Combine dal and spinachAdd the cooked toor dal to the pan with spinach. Add water to adjust the consistency of the curry. Stir well and simmer for 5-10 minutes so that the flavors meld together. |
8
Done
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OptionalIf you prefer a creamy texture, add coconut milk and mix well. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. |
9
Done
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TemperingIn a small pan, heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Add mustard seeds, dry red chilies, garlic slices, and curry leaves. Let the mustard seeds splutter and garlic turn golden. Pour this tempering over the curry. |
10
Done
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Serve |