Indian Spinach Red Lentil Dal
A creamy, comforting Indian spinach dal with red lentils, fresh spinach, and warming garam masala spices finished with a splash of coconut milk. This high-protein vegetarian meal prep is naturally gluten-free and freezes exceptionally well, deepening in flavor with every reheat.
Nutrition per 100g
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Ingredients
- 400 g red lentils
- 400 g coconut milk
- 1600 g vegetable broth
- 500 g spinach
- 400 g chopped tomatoes
- 250 g onion
- 30 g clarified butter
- 30 g garlic
- 30 g ginger
- 30 g cilantro
- 10 g cumin
- 10 g turmeric
- 10 g garam masala
- 5 g coriander
- 5 g chili powder
- 10 g salt
Mise en Place
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Rinse the red lentils under cold water until the water runs clear
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Dice the onion finely
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Mince the garlic
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Grate the ginger
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Wash and roughly chop the spinach
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Roughly chop the cilantro
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You will need a pot large enough for the food.
Instructions
Heat the clarified butter in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 6-7 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
Add the garlic and ginger and stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the cumin, turmeric, coriander, and chili powder. Toast the spices for 30 seconds until they release their aroma (hold back the garam masala — it goes in at the very end so its delicate aromas are not cooked out).
Add the chopped tomatoes and salt. Cook for 5 minutes, pressing the tomatoes with a wooden spoon, until they break down into a thick paste.
Add the rinsed red lentils and the vegetable broth. Stir well and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are fully cooked and begin to break down into a creamy base.
Stir in the coconut milk, the chopped spinach, and the garam masala. Simmer for another 5 minutes until the spinach has fully wilted and the dal is thick and silky.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Freezing Instructions
Let the dal cool completely. Divide into portion-sized freezer bags. Use vacuumer to remove the air and seal. Label with date and contents.
Thawing Instructions
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or in microwave. Reheat in a pan with a splash of water, since the dal thickens noticeably on freezing, or 4 min at 600 Watt in microwave until hot throughout.