Spinach chana dhal

Name: Spinach chana dhal
Cook time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 200g chana dhal, rinsed (soak the dhal for 30 minutes then drain); 1.2 litres water; 500g spinach leaves, well washed; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 onion, finely chopped; 1 tbsp grated ginger; 1 tsp cumin seeds; 200g potatoes, peeled and diced; 200g canned chopped tomatoes; 1 large green chilli, sliced; ½ tsp ground turmeric; ½ tsp cayenne; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp garam masala; 2 tbsp fresh coriander

Jill Dupleix

January 26, 2023

Time:30 mins - 1 hourServes:4

Chana dhal, yellow split pulses or yellow split peas combine with spinach, tomatoes and peas in a very motherly, slow-cooked dish. This is gorgeous topped with caramelised onions.

Ingredients

200g chana dhal, rinsed (soak the dhal for 30 minutes then drain)
1.2 litres water
500g spinach leaves, well washed
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp grated ginger
1 tsp cumin seeds
200g potatoes, peeled and diced
200g canned chopped tomatoes
1 large green chilli, sliced
½ tsp ground turmeric
½ tsp cayenne
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp salt
1 tsp garam masala
2 tbsp fresh coriander

Method

Bring the dhal and water to the boil in a large saucepan, skimming. Partly cover and simmer gently for 20 mins.
Cook the spinach in very little water, covered, until wilted. Drain, chop roughly and set aside.
Heat the oil in a frypan and cook the onion, ginger and cumin seeds for 5 mins. Add the potatoes, tomatoes, chilli, turmeric, cayenne, coriander and salt, stirring well. Combine with the dhal and simmer for 30 mins or until the potatoes are soft, adding extra water if necessary.
Just before serving, whisk in the garam masala, then add the spinach leaves and simmer for 5 mins. Scatter with coriander and serve with rice.