Dal Palak (Indian Lentil & Spinach Soup)

Dal Palak (Indian Lentil & Spinach Soup) Ingredients

Lentils1/2 cup lentils1&1/2 cups waterSpinach2 cups spinach (chopped)2 tbsp oil1 cup onion (finely diced)1/2 tsp cumin seeds1 clove garlic (minced)1/2 inch ginger (minced)1/4 tsp chilli powder1 cup tomato (chopped)1/2 tsp salt (to taste)

Tempering

1 tbsp oil1 dried red chilli (chopped)1/2 tsp cumin seeds

Garnish

1/2 tsp fenugreek leaves (optional)1 tbsp lemon juice (divided)

Steps

In a pot on medium high heat, combine lentils & water, bring to a boil & cook until lentils have broken down completely (abt 20-30 mins, depending on type of lentils used)In a separate pot on medium high heat, prepare spinach mixture by adding onion & cumin seeds to hot oil.Saute for 5 mins, add garlic & ginger, cook for 1 min.Add chilli powder, stir for 1 min & add tomatoes.Cook for 5-8 mins till tomatoes have broken down, add salt, taste to adjust seasoning then add spinach in the last min of cooking before removing from heat.Add spinach mixture into pot with lentils, stir well, taste to adjust seasoning & set aside.Heat a pan on medium high, add oil, cumin & red chillies, let spices temper for 30 secs & remove from heat.To serve, ladle soup into serving bowls, drizzle tempered spices on top, lemon juice & fenugreek leaves, serve with rice or roti.