Spinach Dal with Sauteed Brinjal and Banana Peppers, Simple and Comforting

Simple spinach dal flavored with garlic with a side of brinjal/eggplant and banana peppers. I could not resist placing the fresh bunch in the picture.

I try and soak the dals and rice for at least 2 hours before cooking. In addition to reducing cooking time, saving fuel, it also has health benefits. I know I keep repeating the concept of soaking, but saving fuel in any which way is something I sincerely believe.

Recipe for the Thali

3 medium servings or 2 healthy servings

For the spinach dal: 

Toor Dal/Arhar Dal	1/2 cup
Spinach/Palak	3 cups - more or less depends on your preference. I generally use the stems here, saving the leaves for other preparations
Green Chilli	2 diced Optional (We are a chilli loving family)
Tamrind	Small lime sized soaked
Garlic	3-4 medium cloves optional
Curry Leaves	1 strand
Oil or Ghee	1 tsp
Cumin, mustard seeds	¼ tsp each

Directions

• If soaking the dal, wash it clean and soak in one and half times water (anytime between 10 mins to 2 hours). I usually soak in the pressure cooker directly so that there is no need to transfer between vessels. We use a small 2 litre cooker, especially for dal.
• Add the turmeric into the dal and cook on medium for 1 whistle if you like some bite or two if you want your dal to turn mushy. Cooking times will vary based on the cooker used and also if the dal is pre soaked
• Heat a pan with oil, add the cumin and mustard seeds. Add the curry leaves, sliced green chilli and garlic. Saute for few seconds for the garlic to be cooked.
• Add in the spinach leaves, squeezed tamarind water, salt. Cover and cook on medium for 3-5 minutes. The time taken to cook will depend on the quality and tenderness of the spinach.
• Add the mashed dal, mix and cook through on just a minute and serve.

The recipe for the brinjal slices is here in a previous blog post. Banana peppers are deseeded and sauteed in a little oil for 4-5 minutes on high heat. 

The spinach dal or lasooni palak dal with the freshest of the organic spinach is the highlight of this meal.