Daal Palak Fry
Daal Palak Fry is a vibrant Indian side dish that combines the earthy flavors of lentils with the fresh taste of spinach, pan-fried to perfection. This gluten-free dish is not only nutritious but also adds a delightful twist to your meal.

30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Indian
250 kcal
Ingredients
- Yellow split peas (moong dal) - 100 grams
- Fresh spinach (palak) - 200 grams
- Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
- Tomato - 1 medium, chopped
- Green chili - 1, slit
- Ginger - 1 teaspoon, grated
- Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
- Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon
- Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
- Red chili powder - 1/2 teaspoon
- Coriander powder - 1 teaspoon
- Salt - to taste
- Oil (preferably mustard or vegetable oil) - 2 tablespoons
- Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
- Fresh coriander leaves - for garnish
Steps
- Rinse the yellow split peas (moong dal) under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak them in water for 15-20 minutes.
- In a pot, boil the soaked moong dal with 2 cups of water and a pinch of turmeric powder until soft, about 10-15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large frying pan, heat the oil over medium heat and add cumin seeds. Once they start to splutter, add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Stir in the grated ginger, minced garlic, and slit green chili. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped tomato, remaining turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and oil begins to separate, about 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked moong dal to the pan and mix well. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add the fresh spinach to the pan and stir until it wilts down, about 2-3 minutes.
- Finish with a splash of lemon juice and garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 12 g
- Carbs: 40 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Total Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Water: 0.5 L
Health Benefits
- High in protein and fiber from lentils, promoting digestive health.
- Rich in vitamins A and C from spinach, supporting immune function.
Tags
IndianGluten-FreeSide Dish