Lentils, legumes, sprouts and pulses are a powerhouse of vitamins, calcium and protein. A balanced Indian Meal is incomplete without a serving of these. Whole Masoor Dal or Brown lentils (Sabut Masoor Dal) are an all time favourite of mine at the dinner table. They are easily available in the Indian Speciality Store or canned and ready to use versions are available in your supermarket aisle.
If you are a novice at Indian Cooking or are health concious and fitness concious, then this dish is perfect for you. Not only is it nutritious but it is high on taste. Can be eaten by itself as a soup or it can be served hot with steamed rice and a side of Onion salad.
So here is Mumbai to Melbourne’s recipe for Whole Masoor Dal with Spinach or Brown Soupy Lentils with Spinach.
Ingredients:
The Ingredients needed are:
Whole Masoor Dal – 150 gms (before soaking) or 1 can brown lentils
Spinach leaves – 10- 12 leaves – finely chopped
Ginger Paste – 1 teaspoon
Garlic Paste – 1 teaspoon
Kasoori Methi/ Dried fenugreek leaves – 1 teaspoon
Turmeric powder- 1/2 teaspoon
Onion- 1 big one – finely chopped
Tomato Puree / diced tomato can – 250 gms
Water – 4 measuring cups
Red chilli Powder – 1.5 teaspoon
Coriander Powder- 1.5 teaspoon
Cumin Powder – 1 teaspoon
Oil- 1 tablespoon
Ghee – 1 teaspoon
Lemon juice – 2 teaspoon
Sugar – 1/2 teaspoon
Cumin seeds – 1/2 teaspoon
Asafoetida/ Hing – A pinch (Optional)
Salt to taste
Method:
Method of Preparation:
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Soak the whole masoor dal in warm water for 30- 40 minutes. Take a pressure cooker and add the soaked lentils and 4 cups of water along with pinch of salt and a teaspoon of oil. Let it cook on high flame for 4 whistles. Then keep aside to let the steam cook the lentils.
If using a brown lentils can, drain the brine and wash under running water. Drain the lentils and keep aside. Since they are already precooked you do not have to pressure cook them.
Next take a wok add the remaining oil and ghee and let it heat. Then add the asafoetida, turmeric and cumin seeds and let them crackle. Next add the finely chopped onion and stir fry till it turns pinkish brown which should take about 5-7 minutes.
Add the ginger and garlic paste and cook till the raw smell goes away. Then add the finely chopped spinach leaves and mix well. Add salt and lemon juice and pinch of sugar at this stage. Mix and cover with a lid.
The spinach should be cooked within 5 minutes. Next add the tomato purée or diced tomato and mix well. Cover with lid again for about 5-7 minutes.
Then add the cumin and coriander powder, red chilli powder and kasoori methi and salt if needed. Mix well till the spices are fragrant and the oil leaves the sides.
In the meanwhile the steam should have cooked the lentils. Open the lid of the pressure cooker and take the weight (seeti) off.
Now add this spinach and tomato- spice mixture (Tempering/ Tadka) we prepared to the cooked lentils in the pressure cooker. Mix it well. Now put the lid back on and keep the flame on low. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes. Ensure you keep the weight/ seeti off while you simmer.
Lastly add the lemon juice and mix well just before serving.
Your Whole Masoor Dal with Spinach or Brown Soupy Lentils with Spinach is now ready.
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Read full post: Whole Masoor Dal with Spinach (Brown Soupy Lentils with Spinach)