Red Spinach Dal - Toor dal and spinach (Keerai parupu)

Dal (Lentil) prepared with spinach is a very tasty dish. This can be prepared with any type of Spinach of your choice. This goes well with Rice or Roti. This dish is not only delicious but filled with health benefits abundantly (Protein & Vitamins). This is very easy and simple dish. Only pain taking job is cleaning the spinach leaves. Spinach leaves and stems are used differently for different dish.

You may use the leaves along with the stem, chop and use. Else use the leaves and cook the stem for some curry. Lets see how to prepare this dish.

Ingredients:

1. Red Spinach leaves as desired or available spinach (Washed and separated)
2. Toor dal 
3. Shallots 5 to 10 (small onion)
4. Green chili - 2 or as desired
5. Asafoetida - 1/4 tspn
6. Turmeric - 1/2 tspn
7. Cumin powder or crushed cumin - 1 tspn
8. Salt to taste

For Tempering

1. Oil of your choice 1 tbspn
2. Mustard Seed 1/4 tspn
3. Curry leaves 1 sprig
4. Dried red chili - 1 (optional)

Preparation:

1. Add all the items from the main ingredients in a pressure cooker. Add adequate amount of water
2. Pressure cook on high for 1 whistle, and simmer for 5 - 7 minutes. I like my dal mashed well. Turn of the heat.
3. Let the pressure go by itself, open the lid, check the taste and add anything required. Turn on the heat and keep in sim. You may mash it with spoon if needed.
4. You may add some hot water if you find it too thick
5. Prepare the tadka / tempering pour on to dal mixure and mix well, turn off the heat.
6. It can be served with hot steamed rice or roti.