Dal Palak (Lentil Soup/Stew with Spinach)

Ingredients:
1 cup yellow moong dal/lentil (soaked in water for an hour)
2 cups of fresh chopped spinach (1/4 cup or 3-4 leaves finely chopped for garnish)
1 medium Roma tomato finely chopped
1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
2 tbsp freshly grated ginger (1/2 tbsp for garnish)
1 tbsp freshly grated garlic
1/2 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp cumin seeds
1/4 tsp asafoetida (optional)
1 tsp sea salt (according to taste)
1/4 tsp Garam masala
1/4 tsp red chili powder
1 tsp of lemon juice ( according to taste)

Preparation:

1. Cook dal(lentil) and spinach together. I pressure cook them but instant pot can work too or look guidance below.
2. Take a large saucepan (with lid aside) and put it on medium heat. Once hot, add cumin seeds and asafoetida. Sauté until cumin seeds turn light brown.
3. Add onions, ginger, and garlic with 4-5 tbsp of water so the ingredients don’t stick to the bottom of the pan
4. Sauté until onion turns light brown. Add 2 tbsp of water if needed to avoid sticking to the pan.
5. Add chopped tomatoes with salt. Cover with lid for 2-3 mins. Add 2 tbsp of water if needed to avoid sticking to the pan.
6. Once tomatoes are soft, add turmeric, Garam masala, red chili powder.
7. Cook until turns to paste consistently for 5 mins. Add 2 tbsp of water if needed to avoid sticking to pan or too dry.
8. Once the paste thickens, add cooked dal(lentils) and spinach to the saucepan with 1 cup water and mix.
9. Stir well and add 1 cup increments of water according to consistency. I try to avoid too watery or too thick.
10. Mix lemon juice and cover the lid for 7-10 mins
11. Garnish with some leftover grated ginger and finely chop few spinach leaves
12. Enjoy with roti and/or brown rice

How to cook lentils without pressure cooker:
I have found that the most reliable way to cook perfectly tender lentils is to bring them to a rapid simmer, then reduce the heat to low for the rest of cooking. You want to see just a few bubbles in the water and some gentle movement in the lentils. They will plump up nicely without splitting their skins or becoming mushy.