Spinach Lentil Curry / Palak Dal (South Indian style) / Keerai Molagutal

I try to include spinach in our meals on a weekly basis. We told our daughter it's the vegetable that Hulk eats to get his strength, and yes, it worked :)

This is a simple curry that goes well with steamed rice.

You need:

• 1 big bunch spinach washed well and finely chopped
• 1/2 cup split and husked green gram / moong dal
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• 5 tbsp fresh grated coconut
• 1 tsp cumin seeds / jeera
• A big pinch mustard seeds
• 1 sprig curry leaves

For the seasoning:

• 2 tsp Oil
• Mustard seeds
• Split skinned black dal / split urad dal

Steps:

• Wash the moong dal. Add 1 and 1/4 cup water along with the chopped spinach and turmeric powder.
• Pressure cook till the dal is well cooked.
• Grind to a paste the coconut, cumin seeds, mustard seeds and curry leaves with a little water.
• In a pan, heat the oil. Add the mustard seeds. When it splutters, add the urad dal and fry till its slightly brown.
• Add the coconut paste and a 1/4 cup water and let it boil.
• Add the dal and spinach which has been slightly mashed with the back of a ladle.
• Season with salt. Let it come to a boil.
• Serve hot with steamed rice and lime pickle.

Notes:

• The curry in my picture looks slightly greenish as I had blended some blanched spinach prior to making the coconut paste. The curry would originally look more yellow.
• You can also blanch the spinach, purée it and add it with the cooked dal to the coconut paste.