Vegetarian Palak Moong Dal

Indian dal is a classic, soup-like vegetarian comfort food with rich and spicy flavors from cayenne, cumin, and turmeric. This recipe uses small yellow lentils called moon dal.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 2 hr
• Total Time: 2 hr 15 mins
• Calories: 243 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger root
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, or to taste
• 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons cumin seed
• 2 tablespoons ghee
• 3 cups chopped spinach
• 1 ½ cups yellow lentils (moong dal)
• 13 cups water
• ½ teaspoon ghee
• 1 dash red pepper flakes, or to taste (Optional)

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Rinse dal in a colander until water runs clear. Add to a large pot with water and bring to a full boil, about 5 minutes. Skim off any foam that forms, reduce heat, and add coriander, ginger, turmeric, and ghee. Boil gently for 2 hours.

Step 2

Season soup with salt and red pepper flakes. Remove from heat and puree using a stick blender. Add spinach and return to a gentle boil over low heat.

Step 3

Meanwhile, heat ghee in a small saucepan over high heat. Add cumin seeds and fry until brown, about 30 seconds. Turn off heat and immediately add cayenne pepper. Pour fried spices into the soup, cover, and let soak for about 5 minutes. Add lemon juice, stir, and serve.