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Bright green lentils

Emerald Daal

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

Ingredients for Daal

  • 500 g green or black lentils already cooked
  • 200 g frozen peas
  • 500 g frozen spinach
  • 1 bunch of fresh mint

Spices & Fats

  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 2 tsp gram masala
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 10 g grated ginger or to taste
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup greek yogurt or coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk

Instructions
 

Prepare the Spinach Sauce

  • In a large pan, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes until they becomes translucent.
  • Add garlic and ginger to the pan. Sauté until they become fragrant and golden.
  • Stir in the spices: mustard seeds, cumin, and garam masala. Cook for an additional two minutes, allowing the spices to release their flavors. Reduce the heat to low.
  • Add the spinach, fresh mint. Give it a few stirs until everything becomes well integrated.
  • Transfer the spinach mixture to a blender and add 1/2 cups of water. Blend until it reaches the desired consistency. I like to leave a bit of texture.
  • Pour the blended sauce back into the pan and set it over low heat. Avoid overheating so not to burn the spinach, overcooking will darken the beautiful green color.
  • Stir in the yogurt, lentils, green peas and salt. Taste the mixture and adjust the salt to your preference.
  • Top it off with a squeeze of lemon for a touch of acidity.
  • Serve the Emerald Dal with basmati rice and naan bread.

Notes

This dish can be refrigerated for a couple days, but be-ware the bright emerald color will fade after the first day.
Keyword daal, emerald daal, indian food, lentils