Dal Tadka

A fragrant homestyle yellow lentil stew tempered with garlic, cumin, and turmeric, folded with fresh baby spinach and paired with steamed brown basmati rice.

• Prep: 15 min
• Cook: 35 min
• Total: 50 min
• Servings: 6
• Cuisine: Indian
• Difficulty: Easy
• Cost: $2.55/serving

Dietary

• Vegetarian
• Vegan
• Gluten-Free
• Dairy-Free
• Nut-Free
• Soy-Free
• Egg-Free
• Pescatarian
• Low-Calorie
• Low-Fat
• Low-Saturated-Fat
• Low-Cholesterol
• Low-Sugar
• High-Fiber
• Kosher
• Halal

Tags

• one-pot
• healthy
• comfort food
• budget-friendly
• tangy

Ingredients

• 1.5 cup yellow split peas
• 5 cup vegetable broth (low-sodium)
• 1.5 cup brown basmati rice
• 4 clove garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 5 ounce baby spinach
• 2 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoon fresh cilantro (chopped)

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine brown basmati rice with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 40 minutes until water is absorbed and grains are tender.
2. In a large pot, combine yellow split peas, vegetable broth, and ground turmeric. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 30 minutes until lentils are soft and creamy.
3. While lentils simmer, heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and ground cumin, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
4. Stir the seasoned oil mixture, salt, and fresh baby spinach into the cooked lentils. Simmer for 2 minutes until spinach wilts completely.
5. Remove from heat, stir in fresh lemon juice, and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving alongside the warm brown basmati rice.

Notes

Rinse split peas well before simmering to ensure a smooth, clean texture.

Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: 348
• Protein: 19.4 g
• Carbohydrates: 74.9 g
• Fat: 4.6 g
• Fiber: 12.4 g
• Sodium: 1988 mg
• Saturated Fat: 0.3 g
• Sugar: 6.6 g