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Palak Dal Tadka: Iron-Rich, Protein-Packed Pairing With Rice

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The palak dal tadka is a delicious lentil soup that is an amalgamation of nutrients. Besides, dal is a versatile ingredient, which is used to make plenty of regional varieties too. One can pair it with everything and enjoy a wholesome, delicious meal. From a simple bowl of dal tadka to crispy dal pakodis, dal can be enjoyed in many ways. With the last few days of winter ahead, here is a delicious palak dal tadka recipe!

prep time 00 Hour 20 Mins
cook time 00 Hour 10 Mins
chef Team Kitchen Diaries

Palak dal tadka is a common dish during the winter season because of its nutritional value and deliciousness. It is a healthy soup which is made with palak and dal. The soup-like consistency of the recipe makes it a fantastic way to start a meal. A nourishing dish made with lentils, spinach, ginger, garlic, and mild spices, paired with rice, makes for a comforting plate of soul food. 

Therefore, it is ideal when you are unwell, and also for those who want to kickstart their protein and iron intake. Replete with the goodness of lentils, spinach, ginger-garlic, and flavourful spices, this warm and comforting dish is sure to impress you. Simply serve it seasoned with fresh cream and a generous squeeze of lime.  

Traditionally cooked, it is a mix of soaked and pressure-cooked dals and spinach with sauteed spices like cumin, garam masala, turmeric powder, chillies, ginger-garlic, and asafoetida. The spices are sautéed well before being combined with a dal and spinach paste. It is finish

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Tips and Tricks

  1. For the initial tadka, use a heavy-bottom kadai. It gives the dal a richer taste by heating evenly and preventing spices like hing, garlic, and cumin from burning while sautéing.
  2. Use a low to medium burner for cooking or reheating palak dal in a nonstick pan. Gently boiling spinach helps preserve its vivid green hue because it sticks and loses colour on high heat.
  3. Before adding oil or ghee, the tadka pan should always be thoroughly heated. Pour the tadka over hot dal right away to seal in flavour and aroma, adding whole spices first and powdered spices last.
  4. When combining dal and spinach paste, a deep pot works best because it keeps the mixture from splattering while being stirred. Additionally, it keeps the dal from overflowing while simmering evenly.
  5. On a gas stove, use a medium flame while cooking dals and a low flame for tempering. Better control is provided by the direct flame, particularly when blossoming spices in ghee.
  6. Steer clear of abrupt temperature swings when making use of induction. To avoid sticking and uneven cooking, simmer the dal on a lower setting while gradually raising the heat for the tadka.
Step 1

Take a pan and add ghee, soaked tovar dal, masoor dal, and yellow moong dal.

Step 2

Mix well. Add degi red chilli powder, turmeric powder and asafoetida. 

Step 3

Mix it well on medium flame. Now, add salt to taste and water. 

Step 4

Cover it with the lid and cook until it’s done. Once the dal is cooked, pour the prepared tadka and mix it well.

Step 5

In the same pan, add water and salt while bringing it to a boil.

Step 6

Transfer it into the sauce pot and mix it well.

Step 7

In a serving bowl, add prepared dal and pour the second tadka on top of it.

Step 8

Garnish it with a coriander sprig and serve palak dal with rice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Toor dal, masoor dal, moong dal, or a combination of these can be used. Better texture and nutritional value are added when mixed dals are used.

Cream is optional, yes. You can add a little extra ghee for richness, but the dal tastes just as nice without it.

Blanching is not required. Although fresh spinach can be cooked immediately with the tadka, blanching keeps the colour more vibrant.

Steamed rice, jeera rice, roti, bhakri, or even plain paratha go well with palak dal tadka.

Allow the dal to cool fully before refrigerating it in an airtight container. For up to two days, it remains fresh. Avoid repeatedly boiling and reheat over low heat, adding a little water if necessary.