Spinach and Lentil Dahl
A comforting, protein-rich Indian-inspired dish made with lentils, tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Perfect served with warm naan bread.

Preparation Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
20 minutes
Serves:
2-3
Equipment
Essential
- Scales
- Tablespoon
- Teaspoon
- Sharp knife
- Tin opener
- Large Saucepan
- Large wooden spoon (for stirring)
Optional
- Garlic Press
- Zester
Ingredients
- 200g red lentils
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp red chilli powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 vegetable stock cube
- 1 tin (400g) chopped tomatoes
- 150g fresh spinach leaves
- Juice and zest of ½ lemon
- Salt and black pepper
- Water, as needed
- Naan bread to serve.
Preparation
- Finely chop the onion
- Crush the garlic
- Open the tomato tin
- Measure out the spices, lentils and spinach leaves.
Cooking Instructions
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly, then place them in a saucepan with about 700 ml of water. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 15 minutes until soft. Set aside. If you use a different type of lentil check the packet for the cooking time.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until golden and soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the cumin, coriander, turmeric, chilli powder and bouillon, stir in and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in the chopped tomatoes, then add the cooked lentils along with some of their cooking water.
- Stir well and simmer for 5–10 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add the spinach leaves and cook until wilted.
- If the dahl becomes too thick, add a splash of water.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, then stir in the lemon juice and zest.
- Serve hot with naan bread.
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