It is a simple yet delicious curry that is lightly spiced but packed with flavor.

Simply Recipes / Annika Panikker

This daal palak recipe is a staple in our household.

We make it once if not twice every week and it never gets old.

Bowl of Daal Palak over Rice Topped with Onions and Yogurt, and Served with a Piece of Papad, and in the Surroundings, More Daal Palak in a Dutch Oven, a Bowl with More Papad, a Bowl of Pickled Onions, and a Plate with Another Serving of Daal Palak

Simply Recipes / Annika Panikker

Mum would sneak spinach into the daal, so that unknowingly I would be consuming my five a day.

There are two parts to this recipe: cooking the daal palak and making the tadka.

The lentils are cooked until softened, anywhere between 20 to 30 minutes.

Daal Palak in a Dutch Oven on the Counter Next to a Bowl of Yogurt and a Bowl of Pickled Onions

Simply Recipes / Annika Panikker

After that we cook it further with the spinach and a few spices.

This allows the lentils to cook until soft without having any graininess.

Fresh or Frozen Spinach?

Table Setting with Daal Palak in a Dutch Oven, Two Servings of Daal Palak in Two Bowl with Rice and Papad, a Plate with Another Serving on Rice with a Piece of Roti, a Small Cast Iron Skillet with Leftover Tadka, and a Bowl of Papad

Simply Recipes / Annika Panikker

I used fresh baby spinach to make this recipe.

you might also use mature fresh spinach with long stems.

You dont have to use fresh spinach, though.

Bowl of Daal Palak over Rice Topped with Onions and Yogurt, Served with Pieces of Papad

Simply Recipes / Annika Panikker

Ghee Vs. We have also used oil to make the tadka but my preference has to be butter.

I Dont Have Kashmiri Chili Powder!

Kashmiri chili powder is ground red Kashmiri chiles.

Red Onions Sliced on a Cutting Board for Daal Palak Recipe

Simply Recipes / Annika Panikker

They originally came from Kashmir in North India but today they are grown in various states all over India.

This spice is all about color, heat and flavor.

It has a deep red color and smoky and earthy flavor.

Sliced Red Onions Mixed with Salt and Lemon to Make Pickled Onions for Daal Palak Recipe

Simply Recipes / Annika Panikker

The spice level is mild.

As with any chili, you could reduce or increase this amount to your palette.

Always add less, stir it well, and taste before you increase the amount.

Lentils Boiling on a Stove for Lentils and Spinach Curry Recipe

Simply Recipes / Annika Panikker

The heat can creep up on you in a lentil curry, I speak from eye-watering experience.

Make It a Meal

There is no wrong way to serve this daal palak.

you’re free to serve it with hot homemaderotis, steamed rice, or bread.

Foam from Boiling Lentils Removed Using a Spatula for Lentils and Spinach Curry

Simply Recipes / Annika Panikker

Daal Palak (Lentil & Spinach Curry)

This is a thicker daal recipe.

In a medium stock pot add the lentils and 3 cups of room temperature water.

Bring to a boil over high heat.

Ginger Paste and Turmeric Added to Dutch Oven for Daal Palak (Lentils and Spinach Curry) Recipe

Simply Recipes / Annika Panikker

Skim and discard foam that may gather on the top.

Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered until soft, approximately 20-30 minutes.

I always start with room temperature water.

Spinach and Parsley Added to Daal Palak in Dutch Oven

Simply Recipes / Annika Panikker

Once the lentils are cooked through, add the ginger garlic paste and turmeric and stir.

Cook for 1 minute on low heat.

Take the pot off the heat and season with salt and lime juice.

A Dutch Oven Filled with Daal Palak

Simply Recipes / Annika Panikker

Once it is sizzling, add the Kashmiri chili powder and ground cumin and stir briefly.

Divide the daal palak between serving bowls (over rice, if you’d like).

Top with the pickled onions, papad, yogurt, and add more tadka if you want more heat.

Lime Juice Added to Daal Palak in a Dutch Oven on the Counter

Simply Recipes / Annika Panikker

Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Keep the leftover pickled onions on their own in a glass jar in the fridge for 1 day.

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Spices for Tadka Cooking in Ghee in a Small Cast Iron Skillet for Daal Palak

Simply Recipes / Annika Panikker

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Kashmiri Chili Powder Added to Hot Tadka Mix in the Small Cast Iron Skillet for Daal Palak

Simply Recipes / Annika Panikker

Daal Palak Topped with Tadka in the Dutch Oven

Simply Recipes / Annika Panikker

Bowl of Daal Palak over Rice Topped with Onions and Yogurt, Served with Pieces of Papad

Simply Recipes / Annika Panikker