Things I have been cooking lately #56: Spinach and lentil dahl

I know they get a pretty bad rap but I love lentils. Cooked with some creativity they are tasty, filling, high in fibre and a great vehicle for all kinds of other flavours. That’s why I am always on the look out for new lentil recipes. I adapted this warming vegetarian dahl from The Flexi Foodie.

Spinach and lentil dahl

125g red lentils
1 small red onion
1 clove of garlic
1 tablespoon of pureed fresh ginger
1 tablespoon of grapeseed or corn oil
1 teaspoon of mustard seeds
1 teaspoon of cumin
1 teaspoon of ground coriander
1 teaspoon of garam masala
1/2 teaspoon of tumeric
250g fresh or frozen spinach
200ml coconut milk
100ml water
Juice of half a lemon
Salt
Pepper

Cook the lentils for 8 minutes in boiling water. Drain and set aside.

Finely chop the garlic and onion. Heat the oil in a large pot and add the onions. Cook at a medium heat for about 10 minutes or until the onions become translucent. Add the garlic, ginger and spices and cook for one more minute.

Add the spinach to the pot and wilt for 2 – 3 minutes. You might need to do this in batches.

Add the coconut milk, water and lentils and cook for 5 more minutes.
Add the lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.

Serves 2

IMG_20131107_191111

14 Comments

  1. Looks awesome, might have to give it a try!

    1. Abbi

      It’s very tasty and really, really healthy!

      1. Is it coconut milk to thicken it ?

        1. Abbi

          Yes and also for flavour.

  2. Sounds delicious! I love lentils too. My mom makes a great lentil soup!

    1. Abbi

      I could just about live on lentils and chickpeas and be happy!

      1. Mmm! I love chickpeas too! Now I have a craving for hummus!

  3. I love lentils too and this recipe looks so good! I haven’t eaten any since I went low carb/paleo 2 years ago. I certainly do miss them!

    1. Abbi

      I like the fact that they are so high in fibre. I think a lentil-free diet would make me very sad!

  4. eleonore mosimann

    Looks so good! Is it indian inspired? I’m definitely gonna try it 😉 x

    1. Abbi

      It’s definitely got some Indian flavours in it. I hope you enjoy it. Let me know how it turns out!

      1. eleonore mosimann

        I will 😉 x

  5. This looks really good! I am going to try this

    1. Abbi

      It’s a great veggie/vegan meal because the lentils are very filling and the coconut milk makes it quite rich. Let me know how it goes.

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