Go Back
–+ servings
Spinach dal or dal palak in a bowl with rice on the side

Easy Dal palak or Spinach dal - Instant pot method

Spinach dal or dal palak is an easy and healthy lentil recipe made with lentils, spinach and spices, served with rice, roti or naan. Very delicious!
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Course Curry, Main Course
Cuisine Gluten-free, Indian, South Indian
Servings 8
Calories 209 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoon neutral oil or ghee
  • 2 teaspoon cumin seeds whole
  • 2 teaspoon coriander seeds crushed
  • 4 to 5 dry red chilies broken into halves, optional
  • 1 teaspoon asafoetida or hing** optional
  • 1 black cardamom
  • 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
  • 1 large onion diced, optional
  • 1 teaspoon ginger minced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 green chili chopped
  • 3 small tomatoes chopped, optional
  • 300 g red lentils soaked* for 15 minutes
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 500 g baby spinach fresh or frozen, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Start the instant pot in SAUTE mode and heat ghee or oil. Add cumin seeds, crushed coriander seeds, dry red chilies, hing, fenugreek seeds and black cardamom. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
  • Add onions and sauté for about 5 minutes till they are caramelised.
  • Add the ginger, garlic and green chilies. Mix well and cook for a minute.
  • Add the tomatoes, turmeric, salt, red chili powder and garam masala. Mix well and cook till the tomatoes are mushy.
  • Add the washed lentils. Stir well and cover with water.
  • Press CANCEL and cover the instant pot with lid.
  • Press MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK and set the timer for 5 minutes.
  • After you hear the instant pot beep, let the pressure release naturally and then open the lid. If you are in a rush, you can do a quick pressure release after 5 to 8 minutes.
  • Stir in the spinach and serve with hot rice. Enjoy!

Notes

Nutrition values are a rough estimate for guidance.
*Soaking lentils is optional but it could improve digestibility and speed up the cooking time.
**Asafoetida, also known as 'hing' in Hindi is an optional ingredient. It adds a distinct savoury taste and transforms the dish.

Nutrition

Calories: 209kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 13gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 516mgPotassium: 900mgFiber: 15gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 6366IUVitamin C: 58mgCalcium: 107mgIron: 6mg
Keyword dal palak, dal palak recipe, dal spinach recipe, dal with spinach, keerai kottu, moong dal spinach, palak dal, palak moong dal, palakura pappu, spinach and dal, spinach dal, spinach with dal
Tried this recipe?Mention @thisisvegetarianglobe on Instagram or tag #thisisvegetarianglobe!