Simple spinach dahl with garlic, lemon and raita



Simple spinach dahl with garlic, lemon and raita from peacelily

egg free gluten free nut free can make in advance ok to freeze vegetarian
Category
Snack recipes
Serves4-6 adults
Prep time 10 mins
Cook time35 mins

Mumsnetter ratings

based on (3) reviews
Ease of finding ingredients 10
Ease of cooking8.667
Success with kids3.333
Success with adults9.667
Overall Mark 8

Ingredients

500g organic red lentils
12 cubes approx of frozen spinach
3-6 garlic cloves (leave whole, don't crush)
1/2-1 tsp chilli powder
1 tsp turmeric powder
1-2 lemons (squeezed)
1-2 cups brown rice
1/2 tub organic natural yoghurt
2 medium tomatoes (thinly sliced)
1/4 cucumber (thinly sliced)
1 tbsp of olive oil
Few leaves of fresh mint torn or 1/2 tsp of dried mint

Handy Hint

To get the dry, fiery heat that characterises this dish it's important to use chilli powder, not fresh chillies and to also cook on a high heat to release this spice quickly.

Method

For the dahl

1. Put the rice on first as this takes 35-40 minutes, rinse cover with the same amount of water again, bring to the boil and simmer.
2. Meanwhile, boil the lentils with the same amount of water again, then reduce to a simmer for 20 mins.
3.Put the spinach in a pan on a low heat and cover to defrost.
4. Squeeze the lemons and press down on the garlic with a large knife so it's cracked but still whole.
5. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large wide open pan until it's piping hot and fry the garlic on a medium heat until it's beginning to brown.
6. Add the spices and fry until they go almost black.
7. Quickly add the lentils, lemon juice and spinach, (don't worry if the lentils have excess water on them)
8. Simmer until the dahl has reached your desired consistency and then serve with the brown rice and a chapati/pitta bread
9. Then mix the yoghurt, cucumber, tomatoes and mint together in a bowl and serve with the dahl.

Mumsnetter Reviews

From: HookwayMumma on Thu 27-Nov-08 19:49:18 Overall rating: 8.0
I would like toadd that the raita is very good as well. I used fresh mint instead of dried.
From: HookwayMumma on Thu 27-Nov-08 19:48:07 Overall rating: 7.8
This is the nicest dahl my husband and I have ever had! My son didn't agree, but I am sure he will get used to it
From: peacelily on Fri 18-Jan-08 19:03:21 Overall rating: 8.0
If kids like spices they'll like this! Older kids can help but it's best to keep little ones out of the kitchen b so the chilli porder doesn't get in little crevices. Good the next day on toast/in pitta



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