Dal Tadka with Steamed Greens

Ingredients

• 🥣1 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas)
• 💧3 cups water
• 🧅1 onion, finely chopped
• 🍅2 tomatoes, chopped
• 🫚1 inch ginger, grated
• 🧄2 garlic cloves, minced
• 💛½ tsp turmeric powder
• 🌿1 tsp cumin seeds
• ⚫½ tsp mustard seeds
• 🌶️2 dried red chilies
• 🍃10 curry leaves
• 🧈2 tbsp ghee or oil
• 🥬4 cups mixed greens (spinach, kale, etc.)
• 🧂 salt, to taste
• 🌿 fresh coriander, chopped (for garnish)

Method

1. 1Rinse the toor dal thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Add the rinsed dal, 3 cups of water, and turmeric powder to a pressure cooker. Cook for 3-4 whistles, then let the pressure release naturally. Alternatively, boil in a pot until tender.
2. 2While the dal is cooking, heat 1 tbsp of ghee or oil in a separate pan. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3. 3Add the grated ginger and minced garlic to the pan with the onions, and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. 4Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and break down, about 5-7 minutes. Mash lightly with the back of your spoon.
5. 5Once the dal is cooked, mash it lightly with a whisk or ladle for a creamy consistency. Add the sautéed onion-tomato mixture to the dal and mix well. Add salt to taste and bring to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes.
6. 6For the tadka (tempering), heat the remaining 1 tbsp of ghee or oil in a small pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then add cumin seeds, dried red chilies, and curry leaves. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
7. 7Pour the hot tadka over the simmering dal. Stir gently to combine. Keep warm.
8. 8Steam the mixed greens until just tender and vibrant, about 3-5 minutes, either in a steamer basket or microwave with a splash of water.
9. 9Serve the hot dal tadka garnished with fresh coriander, accompanied by the steamed greens.