Spiced Lentil Dal with Spinach & Lemon

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Red lentils (dry)
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 1/2 medium Yellow onion
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 1 tsp Ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp Ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp Turmeric
• 1/4 tsp Smoked paprika
• 1/2 cup Crushed tomatoes(optional)
• 2 cups Vegetable broth (or water)
• 2 cups Baby spinach
• 1 tbsp Lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• 1/8 tsp Black pepper
• 1 tbsp Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)(optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prep (10 minutes): Rinse the lentils. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Measure spices and lemon juice.

2. 2

   Cook (30 minutes): In a pot, warm olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion for 4–5 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

3. 3

   Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, and smoked paprika; stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. 4

   Stir in lentils, crushed tomatoes (if using), and broth. Bring to a simmer, then cook uncovered for 20–22 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender and the dal thickens.

5. 5

   Wilt spinach: Stir in spinach and cook 2–3 minutes until wilted.

6. 6

   Finish: Turn off heat and stir in lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot.