Dal Palak Recipe

Looking for a healthy and tasty side dish to go with your meal? Try Dal Palak! It’s a simple dish made with lentils (dal) and spinach (palak). Dal Palak is full of protein and nutrients from the spinach, making it both wholesome and nutritious. This dish is easy to make and tastes great with steamed rice or chapati. It’s a comforting, feel-good option that’s perfect for any day of the week. Give it a try and enjoy a healthy, homemade meal!

About Dal Palak

Dal palak is a nourishing dish crafted with wholesome, plant-based ingredients, and every family has their own way of making it. Some like to keep it simple with just a few basic spices, while others mix in different types of lentils like toor dal, moong dal, masoor dal (red lentils), or even chana dal (split chickpeas). It’s a dish that can be as easy or as fancy as you want it to be!

I’m sharing my favorite dal palak recipe, and it’s a big hit in my home. What makes it extra special? A splash of coconut milk! It makes the dal creamy, rich, and full of flavor. That one ingredient takes this dish to a whole new level—it’s so delicious, you’ll keep coming back for more.

Not only is it tasty, but it’s also a great way to include more vegetables in your meals. Even picky eaters and kids won’t mind eating spinach when it’s cooked like this! So, if you’re looking for a simple, healthy, and flavorful dish, give this dal palak recipe a try. I think you’re going to love it!

Watch How To Make Dal Palak

Serving Suggestions

At my home, Dal Palak is one of our favorite recipes. It pairs wonderfully with dishes like rasam, fish curry, or prawn curry. We often enjoy it with steaming hot rice or soft, warm roti. To make the meal even better, I like to add crispy fried papadums. A small serving of lemon pickle or mango pickle gives it an extra boost of flavor that makes the whole dish taste amazing. 

You can also enjoy Dal Palak on its own with chapati or parathas. It’s a simple, delicious, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week!

About the Ingredients:

• Moong Dal (Yellow Lentils): Moong dal is full of plant-based protein and super healthy! It’s easy to digest, so it’s great for everyone, from kids to adults. These lentils cook quickly and have a mild taste that pairs well with spices and vegetables. You can use moong dal on its own or mix it with other lentils like toor dal, channa dal, or masoor dal. It’s totally your choice—mix and match to suit your taste!
• Spinach (Palak): Spinach is a true superfood! It’s packed with nutrients that your body will love. Adding spinach to your meals is a simple way to stay healthy. For this recipe, try to use the freshest spinach you can find—it really makes a difference in flavor. Frozen spinach or baby spinach works too, but it’s better saved for smoothies or other dishes.
• Coconut Milk: Coconut milk brings a rich, creamy texture and a hint of sweetness that balances the spices perfectly. For the best flavor, always use fresh coconut milk if possible. Taking this extra step will make your dish taste incredible. Natural is always better when it comes to coconut milk!
• Onion: Onions are a staple in Indian cooking and add a natural sweetness to the dish. When sautéed until golden, they create a rich, flavorful base that ties all the ingredients together. Don’t skip this step—it’s what gives the dish depth and balance.
• Tomato: Tomatoes add a tangy yet slightly sweet taste to the dish. They also bring a pop of color, making the dal look as good as it tastes. When cooked, the tomatoes blend beautifully with the creamy coconut milk and earthy spinach.
• Sugar: A tiny pinch of sugar might surprise you, but it’s a secret trick! It doesn’t make the dish sweet, but it balances the flavors so that everything tastes just right. Plus, it helps keep the spinach looking bright green, making your dal even more appetizing.
• Green Chili: Green chilies give the dal just the right amount of spice to keep things flavorful. Add as much or as little as you like, depending on how spicy you want your dish. It’s all about finding the perfect balance!
• Garlic: Garlic is a must in Indian recipes! It adds bold, savory flavors and has health benefits too. Bonus: it helps reduce bloating caused by lentils, so you can enjoy your meal without any discomfort.
• Fennel Seeds: Fennel seeds add a mild, sweet flavor with a hint of licorice. They balance out the spices and earthy flavors in the dal. If you’re not a fan of strong fennel flavor, try grinding the seeds slightly before using them—it makes a big difference!
• Ghee: Ghee, or clarified butter, takes this dish to the next level. It adds a buttery, nutty flavor and gives the dal a smooth, silky texture. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water!
• Urad Dal & Mustard Seeds: These two ingredients are used in tempering, a step that adds crunch and an extra layer of flavor. Mustard seeds pop in hot oil, releasing a smoky aroma, while urad dal toasts to perfection, adding a nutty richness. Together, they make the dal even more delicious and satisfying!

Cooking Tips for Dal Palak

• Give the lentils a good rinse under running water before cooking to get rid of any dirt or impurities. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in the final texture of your dish!
• If you’re skipping the pressure cooker, let the lentils soak in water for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours). Soaking softens them up, cuts down on cooking time, and helps them cook more evenly.
• No pressure cooker? No problem! Add the moong dal to a pan with 1.5 cups of water and cook the lentils on low heat for 20 to 30 minutes. Just give it a stir now and then to keep it from sticking. For extra flavor, toss in a drizzle of oil and a few garlic pods—trust me, the garlic adds a subtle, aromatic kick while the oil keeps the texture creamy and smooth.

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