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    Home » Recipes » Lentils & Beans

    Dal Palak / Spinach Dal - Instant Pot & Stovetop

    March 14, 2023 . By Meeta Arora . 81 Comments | This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Dal Palak / Spinach Dal - Instant Pot & Stovetop
    Dal Palak / Spinach Dal - Instant Pot & Stovetop

    Instant Pot Spinach Dal, popularly called Dal Palak in India. This is a comforting lentil soup with spinach mixed in it for extra nutrition. It is so easy to make it in the pressure cooker. Enjoy it with basmati rice or as a soup. This is a vegetarian & gluten-free recipe.

    Dal Palak (Lentils with spinach) in a pretty bowl with rice on the side

    I love this lentil soup as it packs the nutrition of lentils and spinach in a single bowl. It is the perfect comforting dinner to make for the whole family.

    Make this dal palak in the instant pot, along with pot-in-pot rice to make a complete meal at once. My weeknights are sorted with these easy instant pot dal recipes.

    Don't forget to check out these 29 Best Instant Pot Vegetarian Recipes. 

    Jump to:
    • What is Spinach Dal?
    • How to make Spinach Dal in Instant Pot?
    • How to make Dal Palak in Pressure Cooker?
    • How to serve?
    • Variations
    • Common Questions
    • Pressure Cooker Spinach Dal (Dal Palak Recipe)

    What is Spinach Dal?

    Spinach dal is nothing but, lentils cooked with spinach. In India, this dal is made in every region. However every region has its own recipe. In North India, it is called dal palak. In Andhra region of South India, it is called Palakura Pappu, and in Tamil Nadu, it is called Paruppu Keerai Masiyal.

    I used split pigeon peas or Toor dal to make this Spinach Dahl. You can also vary the lentils to use masoor dal (red lentils), yellow moong dal, or a combination. Toor Dal, also called Arhar Dal, packs 20 grams of protein in 1 cup of cooked dal.  Spinach provides a variety of vitamins and minerals.

    Give this dal a try and I am sure you will make it again...and again!

    Curious about pulses used in Indian cooking? Check out my detailed guide about Indian Pulses.

    How to make Spinach Dal in Instant Pot?

    Start with gathering the ingredients for the dal.

    ingredients for Dal Palak
    Ingredients for Dal Palak

    Start with heating ghee or oil in the instant pot steel insert and add the tempering ingredients - cumin seeds, ginger, garlic and green chilies.  I usually use homemade ghee when making dal, but for a vegan variation use any plant based oil.

    You can also add asafoetida (or hing) at this time. Skip it for a gluten-free version of the dal.

    Then add the tomatoes and spices.  Then the washed lentils.  Now we are ready to pressure cook for 5 minutes at high pressure.

    I add spinach after the lentils are cooked.  Lentils take longer to cook and I don't like my spinach overcooked, so I add it after cooking the lentils. It also helps to retain the bright green color of spinach.

    Steps to make dal with pot-in-pot rice in the instant pot

    When the pressure cooking is done, open the instant pot lid and add the chopped spinach, lime juice, and garam masala.  Stir well and let it rest for 2-3 minutes.  At this time, the spinach would have mixed well with the lentils.

    Steps for dal palak in instant pot with basmati rice

    The dal is perfectly cooked and ready to enjoy. Optionally, you can also add an extra boost of tempering at the end.

    Dal Palak (Lentils with spinach) in a pretty bowl with rice on the side

    How to make Dal Palak in Pressure Cooker?

    Traditionally, Dal was cooked with salt, then tempering was done separately in a pan. Here I suggest a one-pot method, so the dal and tempering with ginger, garlic, tomatoes cooks along with the lentils.

    The main difference from the above method for instant pot is the pressure cooking time on stovetop. We will pressure cook on high flame until two whistles, then switch off the flame. Then let the pressure release naturally by itself. Everything else remains the same.

    Spinach dal in the pressure cooker

    You can add some lime juice for a tangy taste. Enjoy the Spinach Dal with rice or just as a soup.  I had this spinach dal with rice and then leftovers the next day as a soup.

    How to serve?

    This Dal Palak pair perfectly with basmati rice. You can also pair with quinoa or cauliflower rice.

    Sometimes we also like to add a bit of tempering on the dal when serving. This is the red color oil (or ghee) along with sautéed garlic you see on the top of the bowl of dal in the pics.

    To make the tempering, in a small pan, heat ghee or oil. Add some cumin seeds and finely diced or sliced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds to a minute until the garlic becomes golden in color. Then take the pan off heat and add a pinch of red chili powder. I prefer Kashmiri red chili powder, as it is not spicy.

    Drizzle this tempering over the dal when serving. It adds such a beautiful pop of color!

    Spinach dal served with rice garnished with onions and lime

    Variations

    Make it Vegan: Replace ghee with your favorite plant based oil to make this recipe vegan.

    Vary the Greens: You can use kale or fenugreek leaves (methi) in this recipe in place of spinach.

    Palak Chana Dal: To make this recipe with Chana Dal (split chickpeas), follow the same steps but cook the dal for 15 minutes on high pressure.

    Palak Moong Dal: This recipe can me made with yellow moong dal or red Masoor Dal too. The cooking time will remain the same.

    Andhra Palakura Pappu: To make this recipe Andhra style, use mustard seeds along with cumin seeds. Saute ½ onions of onions for couple of minutes before adding in tomatoes. You can use tamarind in place of lime juice at the end too.

    Lentils with spinach Instant Pot. Pressure Cooker Dal Palak

    Common Questions

    How to store leftover dal?

    Leftover cooked dal can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in an airtight container. You can also freeze the dal for up to 4 months.
    Transfer to the refrigerator to defrost, and then reheat in the microwave for 1-3 minutes depending on the quantity of dal.

    Is dal palak healthy?

    Yes, with the nutrition of lentils and spinach, this dal is rich in protein and fiber. Hence it is a balanced and healthy addition to your meal.

    spinach dal served with rice in a white plate

    Try this Spinach Dal and let me know how it turned out.  Leave a comment below.

    If you like this recipe, you might like other lentil recipes -

    • Mango Dal
    • Dal Makhani
    • Green Moong Dal
    • Dal Tadka
    • Red Massor Dal
    • Panchmel Dal
    Tried this recipe?Give a rating by clicking the ★ below
    Dal Palak in a pretty bowl topped with tempering

    Pressure Cooker Spinach Dal (Dal Palak Recipe)

    Meeta Arora
    Spinach Dal, also called Dal Palak, is a comforting lentil soup with added spinach made in the Pressure Cooker.  It is so easy to make it in the pressure cooker. Enjoy it with basmati rice or as a soup. This is a vegetarian & gluten-free recipe.
    4.83 from 89 votes
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    Servings: 4
    Calories: 224
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Indian
    Diet: Gluten-free, Vegetarian
    Method: Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker, Stovetop
    Prep Time: 10 mins
    Cook Time: 20 mins
    Total Time: 30 mins

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker
    • Pot-in-Pot Stackable Contianers
    • Trivet

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 cup Split Pigeon Pea (Toor dal) washed, or a combination with masoor or moong dal
    • 1 tablespoon Ghee or Oil
    • 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds (Jeera)
    • ⅛ teaspoon Asafoetida (Hing) optional
    • 1 Green Chili Pepper diced, optional
    • 1 teaspoon Ginger grated
    • 4 cloves Garlic minced
    • ¾ cup Tomato chopped
    • 3 cups Water
    • 2 cup Spinach (Palak) chopped, about 6-8oz
    • 1-2 teaspoons Lime juice
    • ½ teaspoon Garam Masala

    Spices

    • 1 teaspoon Salt
    • ½ teaspoon Ground Turmeric (Haldi powder)
    • ½ teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder optional

    For pot-in-pot basmati rice (optional)

    • 1 cup Basmati Rice
    • 1 ¼ cup Water
    • 1 tablespoon Ghee optional
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    Instant Pot Method

    • Start the instant pot in SAUTE mode and heat oil in it. Add cumin seeds, green chili, ginger and garlic. 
    • Saute for 30 seconds until garlic turns golden brown, then add chopped tomato, lentils, spices and water. Stir well.
    • (Optional) Place the trivet. In a bowl, add all ingredients for basmati  rice and place it on top of the trivet.
      Steps to make dal with pot-in-pot rice in the instant pot
    • Press CANCEL and close the instant pot lid with vent in sealing position. Press MANUAL or Pressure Cook mode for 5 minutes. After the instant pot beeps, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then release the pressure manually (5 minute NPR). Open the lid.
    • (Optional) Using tongs, carefully take out the bowl of basmati rice. Then take out the trivet. 
    • Add chopped spinach, lime juice and garam masala. Give it a good stir. Let the dal rest for 2-3 minutes. The spinch with soften and mix with the dal.
      Steps for dal palak in instant pot with basmati rice
    • Spinach dal is ready to be served. Enjoy over rice or as a soup.
      Dal Palak in a pretty bowl topped with tempering

    Stovetop Pressure Cooker Method

    • Heat oil in the pressure cooker on medium-high flame. Add cumin seeds, green chili, ginger and garlic.
    • Saute for 30 seconds until garlic turns golden brown, then add chopped tomato, lentils, spices and water. Stir well.
    • Cover the lid, turn the heat on high flame and pressure cook it until your hear two whistles. Turn off heat and let the pressure release naturally. 
    • Open the lid and add chopped spinach, lime juice and garam masala. Give it a good stir. Let the dal rest for 2-3 minutes. The spinch with soften and mix with the dal.
    • Spinach dal is ready to be served over rice or as a soup!

    Video

    Notes

    Make it Vegan: Replace ghee with your favorite plant based oil to make this recipe vegan.
    Green Chili Pepper: I typically use Thai, Birdeye or Serrano Chili Pepper in my recipes. Don't forget to adjust the amount to your taste.
    Vary the Greens: You can use kale or fenugreek leaves (methi) in this recipe in place of spinach.
    Vary the Dal: This recipe can me made with yellow moong dal or red Masoor Dal too. The cooking time will remain the same. To make this recipe with Chana Dal (split chickpeas), follow the same steps but cook the dal for 15 minutes on high pressure.
    Note: Nutrition facts do not include calories from rice ingredients.  

    Note: Nutrition values are my best estimates. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 224kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 13gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 650mgPotassium: 646mgFiber: 16gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1740IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 62mgIron: 5mg
    Keyword indian dhal with spinach, palak dal recipe, spinach dal
    Tried this recipe?Share your photo and tag @PipingPotCurry or #pipingpotcurry

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Heather says

      February 26, 2023 at 6:52 pm

      Is it possible to make this on a stovetop without a pressure cooker?

      Reply
      • Meeta Arora says

        March 09, 2023 at 2:19 pm

        Hi Heather - Sure, you can make this dal on the stovetop too. Use a dutch oven, or a large heavy bottom pot. Add 4 cups of water for 1 cup of dal. Follow the recipe, and in place of pressure cooking, cover with a lid, and cook for 20 minutes or until the dal is soft.

        Reply
    2. Wendy says

      January 29, 2023 at 9:45 am

      How would I modify the recipe if I wanted to add green beans? I love the dal and bean recipe that I eat at a local restaurant. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Meeta Arora says

        February 06, 2023 at 5:24 pm

        Hi Wendy - I have not tried dal with green beans, but here is what I would suggest to try. Pressure cook the dal for 3 minutes in place of 5. Then once you open the pot, add the green beans and cook on saute mode for 7-9 minutes until the green beans are cooked. You will need to stir at regular intervals. Hope you enjoy it!

        Reply
    3. Krupa says

      December 09, 2022 at 2:21 am

      Hi. Do you pre soak the toor daal and if so how long for?

      Reply
      • Meeta Arora says

        January 04, 2023 at 10:12 am

        Hi Krupa - I don't soak the dal for this recipe. Just rinse and cook it. Hope you enjoy the dal!

        Reply
    4. rob says

      December 06, 2022 at 7:18 am

      For us, this was the "gateway drug" to the Meeta-verse. 😉

      I tried Dal Palak somewhere and though Hmmm, I wonder if I could pull this off at home. Thanks to Meeta, I did.

      Our family has several mostly-vegetarian fasting seasons throughout the year. The variety of dishes and the high nutrition make are such a support. And, we enjoy them throughout the year as well.

      Reply
      • Meeta Arora says

        January 04, 2023 at 10:11 am

        Hi Rob - So glad you are enjoying the recipes. Thank you for sharing back 🙂

        Reply
    5. Radha says

      December 05, 2022 at 1:28 pm

      Awesome recipe

      Reply
      • Piping Pot Curry says

        December 08, 2022 at 11:13 am

        Hi Radha - Thank you 🙂

        Reply
    6. Shruthi says

      September 09, 2022 at 2:46 pm

      Can I substitute Lettuce for the Spinach?

      Reply
      • Shruthi says

        September 09, 2022 at 5:43 pm

        I did try it with lettuce and it came out pretty well. I tried the pot in pot method and it came out beautifully. Thanks for this recipe and this blog in general!

        Reply
        • Meeta Arora says

          October 04, 2022 at 1:31 pm

          Hi Shruthi - Happy to hear that the dal worked well with lettuce too. Thanks for sharing back!

    7. Meenakshi says

      September 06, 2022 at 12:26 pm

      Tried this today and so fast and easy. Although I make spinach dal n rice in cooker, loved this one pot idea. Thanks for sharing this

      Reply
      • Meeta Arora says

        September 07, 2022 at 8:30 am

        Hi Meenakshi - So happy that you enjoyed the spinach dal and rice.

        Reply
    8. April says

      June 22, 2022 at 6:03 pm

      Great dal for a busy week night. Flavorful and simple. Thanks for a wonderful recipe.

      Reply
      • Piping Pot Curry says

        June 23, 2022 at 11:17 am

        Hi April - So good to hear that 🙂

        Reply
    9. Liz says

      June 14, 2022 at 11:53 am

      Thank you for posting this. I made this recipe, and it turned out beautifully. Looking forward to trying more of your recipes.

      Reply
    10. Charlene says

      April 30, 2022 at 10:11 am

      Loved for the health, taste, cost, ease of it! So good. Mine did not come out as soupy as yours in the photo though. I did use red lentils and kale, as it's what I had. Going into our rotation:) Thank you.
      Looking forward to trying it with tree collard greens.

      Reply
      • Meeta Arora says

        May 22, 2022 at 8:33 pm

        Hi Charlene - Happy to hear you enjoyed the dal!

        Reply
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