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When the chill of winter settles in or when you simply need a bowl of comfort, the Hearty Lentil Spinach Dhal emerges as a perfect culinary solution. This dish, rich in flavors and nutrients, is a staple in many Indian households and has gained popularity around the world. It combines the earthy goodness of lentils with the vibrant freshness of spinach, creating a warm, nourishing meal that is both satisfying and healthy.

Hearty Lentil Spinach Dhal

Warm yourself up with a bowl of Hearty Lentil Spinach Dhal, the perfect comfort food for chilly days. This nutritious dish combines earthy lentils with fresh spinach and an array of spices, resulting in a flavorful meal that's easy to make. Discover its rich cultural significance, essential ingredients, and cooking techniques in this detailed guide. Whether served with rice or naan, this versatile recipe promises a hearty experience that brings comfort and connection to your table. Perfect for everyone, especially vegetarians and vegans!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup red lentils, rinsed and drained

1 medium onion, finely chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated

1 medium ripe tomato, chopped

4 cups vegetable broth

2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

1/2 teaspoon garam masala

1 tablespoon coconut oil (or substitute with olive oil)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Juice of 1 fresh lemon

Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the coconut oil over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent. Next, incorporate the minced garlic and grated ginger. Continue to cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.

    Add Spices and Tomato: Sprinkle in the ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric powder, and garam masala. Stir quickly for about 30 seconds to toast the spices and enhance their flavor. Then, add the chopped tomato to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomato breaks down and softens into the mixture.

      Cook the Lentils: Add the rinsed red lentils to the pot, followed by the vegetable broth. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

        Incorporate Spinach: After the lentils are tender, stir in the roughly chopped spinach. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted. If the dhal appears too thick, feel free to add a splash of water or extra broth for your desired consistency.

          Season and Finish: Remove the pot from heat, then squeeze in the fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing everything thoroughly. Allow it to simmer for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors together beautifully.

            Serve: Ladle the comforting lentil spinach dhal into bowls. Garnish generously with chopped fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with rice or warm naan for a fulfilling meal.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 40 min | Serves 4

                Presentation Tips:

                  For an inviting presentation, serve the dhal in deep, colorful bowls, and consider adding a wedge of lemon on the side. You can also sprinkle a few whole spinach leaves or an extra sprinkle of cilantro on top for a professional touch. Enjoy your nourishing dish!