Spinach Dahl

Elevate your weeknight dinners with this wholesome and aromatic Spinach Dahl, a comforting and protein-packed dish bursting with South Asian-inspired flavors. Made with tender red lentils simmered to perfection, this vegan recipe features vibrant fresh spinach, tangy tomatoes, and a medley of warming spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander. The addition of garlic, ginger, and a hint of optional cayenne gives it a bold, fragrant kick, while a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens every bite. Ready in just 45 minutes, this one-pot wonder pairs beautifully with fluffy basmati rice, naan, or flatbread, making it a hearty, nutritious meal for the whole family. Perfect for those seeking a healthy, plant-based option that's both satisfying and delicious!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Red lentils
• 4 cups Water
• 4 cups Fresh spinach
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 4 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Fresh ginger, grated
• 2 medium Tomatoes, diced
• 1 teaspoon Ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil or ghee
• 2 tablespoons Cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the red lentils under running water until the water runs clear, then set them aside.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the lentils and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the lentils are tender and breaking down. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.

Step 3

While the lentils are cooking, heat the vegetable oil or ghee in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the chopped onion, and sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened and golden. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the ground turmeric, ground cumin, ground coriander, and optional cayenne pepper. Cook the spices for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to release their flavors.

Step 6

Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing them to soften and break down.

Step 7

Once the lentils are cooked, add them to the skillet along with any remaining cooking liquid. Stir to combine and adjust the consistency with a little water if it's too thick.

Step 8

Season the dahl with salt, and simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 9

Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.

Step 10

Remove the dahl from the heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice.

Step 11

Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro (optional), and enjoy with rice, naan, or flatbread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1697.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	627.6

Total Fat 29.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2508.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 72.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.5g	0%
Total Sugars 15.1g
Protein 25.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 320.4mg	0%
Iron 15.1mg	0%
Potassium 1663.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 40.7%

Protein: 15.4%

Carbs: 43.9%