Ingredients and Weight:
- Yellow lentils, 1 cup
- Olive oil, 1/4 cup
- Onion, 1 large (chopped)
- Ginger-garlic paste, 2 tablespoons
- Ground cumin, 1 teaspoon
- Ground coriander, 1 teaspoon
- Turmeric powder, 1/2 teaspoon
- Cayenne pepper, 1/4 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Spinach, 2 cups (fresh or frozen, thawed and chopped)
- Diced tomatoes, 1 can (14.5 oz)
- Vegetable broth, 3 cups
- Salt (to taste)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Preparation Time:
Cooking Time:
Difficulty Level:
Preparation Method Steps:
- Rinse lentils and drain well.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, heat olive oil.
- Add onion, ginger-garlic paste, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add lentils and stir to coat. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
- Add spinach and diced tomatoes and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until spinach is wilted and tomatoes are heated through.
- Season with salt to taste.
- Garnish with cilantro or parsley, if desired.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 250 per serving
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 12g
Dish Characteristics:
- Indian-inspired flavor profile
- Creamy and flavorful
- Packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients
- Suitable for American taste buds
User Comments:
- "This dal is absolutely delicious! The flavors are so well-balanced and the spinach adds a wonderful touch of freshness."
- "I'm not usually a fan of Indian food, but this soup changed my mind."
- "It's a perfect comfort food on a cold day and surprisingly easy to make."
- "I love the creamy texture and the pop of color from the tomatoes."
- "I've made this several times now and it's always a hit with my guests."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- If you don't have yellow lentils, brown lentils or green lentils can be substituted.
- Don't overcook the lentils; they should be tender but still retain their shape.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your desired level of spiciness.
- Pair this dal with basmati rice, naan bread, or a simple green salad.
