• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Living Smart And Healthy
  • ABOUT
  • RECIPES
    • Recipe Index
    • Indian
    • Cooking Basics
    • Instant Pot
    • Air Fryer
    • Breakfast
    • Appetizers
    • Soup
    • Entrees
    • Side Dish
    • Desserts
    • Gluten Free
    • Low-carb
    • Vegan
  • SHOP
  • RESOURCES
    • Pantry Essentials
    • Recipe Roundups
    • Holiday Gift Guide
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Indian
  • Instant Pot
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipes
    • Indian
    • Instant Pot
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home >> Recipes >> Entrees

    Easy Instant Pot Spinach Dal

    Published: Feb 15, 2023 by Jyoti Behrani · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Sharing is caring!

    22 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    Instant Pot Spinach dal is a creamy, flavorful, and nutritious Indian dish that combines tender, cooked lentils with fresh spinach leaves and aromatic spices. This dal palak recipe is a thick, delicious, and comforting blend of protein and greens that's perfect for a wholesome and satisfying meal.

    instant pot spinach dal (dal palak recipe)

    Spinach Dal made in an Instant Pot is a delicious and nutritious one-pot dish that combines cooked lentils with fresh spinach leaves, and aromatic Indian spices such as cumin seeds, asafetida. The Instant Pot makes the cooking process quicker and more convenient, while retaining the nutritional value and flavors of the ingredients.

    To make Spinach Dal in an Instant Pot, first the onions, garlic, and green chilies are sautéed until fragrant. Next, lentils are pressure-cooked along with water and spices to a soft and mushy consistency. Finally, fresh spinach leaves is added to the dal and simmered till the flavors are incorporated.

    The result is a creamy, flavorful, and healthy dish that's perfect for serving with rice or bread. The Dal Palak recipe made in an Instant Pot is a great option for a delicious and nutritious meal on a busy weeknight.

    Table of contents

    • 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
      • Is Dal Palak healthy?
      • Can I make Palak Dal without a pressure cooker?
      • Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
      • Can I make Dal Palak ahead of time?
      • Can I use other types of lentils instead of masoor dal?
      • Can I skip the onion and garlic in the recipe?
      • Is Dal Palak spicy?
    • Some more Indian Dal recipes
    • Some more Spinach recipes

    What is Spinach Dal?

    Spinach dal, also known as dal palak is a nutritious and flavorful vegetarian Indian dish made with lentils (dal) and spinach. The dish typically consists of boiled and mashed lentils such as toor dal, known as split pigeon peas, masoor dal, or moong dal. Dal is cooked with a mixture of sautéed spinach, onions, garlic, and spices.

    Dal palak can be served as a main dish with rice or bread, or as a side dish with other Indian curries. It is a versatile dish that can be prepared in many different ways, with variations in the spices and ingredients used.

    Some dal recipes may also include other vegetables such as tomatoes or carrots to add more flavor and texture to the dish. The combination of lentils and spinach provides a great source of protein, fiber, iron, and other important nutrients.

    instant pot spinach dal (dal palak recipe)

    How to make Spinach Dal in Instant Pot?

    Making spinach dal in an Instant Pot is a quick and easy way to prepare this delicious dish. Here's a easy palak dal recipe with rice in Instant Pot:

    1. Rinse the dal under running water until the water runs clear.
    2. Press the 'Sauté' button on the Instant Pot and heat the oil.
    3. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger to the pot and sauté until the onions turn translucent. This forms the base of the dish and adds flavor to the dal.
    4. Add the chopped tomato and sauté until it turns soft. Tomatoes add a nice tangy flavor to the dish.
    5. Add the dal, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well.
    6. Add water and mix well.
    7. Close the Instant Pot with the lid and set the valve to the 'Sealing' position.
    8. Press the 'Pressure Cook' or 'Manual' button and set the time to 4 minutes on high pressure. The cooking time may vary depending on the type and quality of lentils used.
    9. Once the cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes and then release the remaining pressure manually.
    10. Open the lid and add chopped spinach and garam masala. Garam masala is a spice blend that adds a warm and complex flavor to the dish.
    11. Press the 'Sauté' button and cook for a few more minutes until the spinach is wilted and the dal is thick and creamy.
    12. Serve hot with rice or bread. Spinach dal is a complete meal and can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish with other Indian curries.

    How to make Dal Palak in Pressure Cooker?

    Spinach Dal is a delicious and healthy dish that combines lentils and spinach, popular in Indian cuisine. Here's a dal palak recipe in a pressure cooker:

    Follow the same recipe as Instant Pot for sautéing the onions, and spices. Then close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook on medium flame for 3-4 whistles. Rest of the recipe is same as Instant Pot.

    instant pot spinach dal (dal palak recipe)

    How to serve?

    Spinach Dal is a delicious and nutritious dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

    • Serve hot with steamed rice: Dal Palak tastes great with steamed rice. You can add a dollop of ghee (clarified butter) on top of the dal for added flavor.
    • Serve with roti or naan: Dal Palak can be enjoyed with Indian flatbreads like roti or naan. You can also serve it with parathas or puris.
    • Serve as a soup: If you like, you can serve Dal Palak as a soup. Simply add more water or broth to the dal to make it thinner and more soup-like.
    • Add some toppings: You can top your Dal Palak with some fried onions, crispy papad, or a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor and texture.
    • Pair with other Indian dishes: Dal Palak can be served as a side dish with other Indian curries like methi chole, jeera aloo, or butter paneer.

    Whatever way you choose to serve it, Palak Dahl is a tasty and healthy dish that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

    Variations

    There are many variations of the Dal Palak recipe that you can try to add variety to your meals. Here are a few ideas:

    • Use different lentils: Instead of masoor dal, you can use other lentils like moong dal (split mung beans), toor dal (red lentils), or chana dal (split chickpeas) to make Palak Dal.
    • Add different greens: In addition to spinach, you can use other greens like kale, collard greens, dill or fenugreek leaves (methi) to make the dal. Each green has a unique flavor and nutritional profile.
    • Make it creamy: To make the dal creamy, you can add some coconut milk or cream to the recipe. This will give it a rich and indulgent taste.
    • Add more vegetables: You can add other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, green beans, lauki, or peas to the dal to make it more hearty and nutritious.
    • Make it spicy: If you like spicy food, you can add more green chilies, red chili powder, or black pepper to the dal to give it a kick.
    • Make it vegan: To make the dal vegan, you can use oil instead of ghee.
    • Use vegetable broth instead of water to add more flavor to the dal.
    instant pot spinach dal (dal palak recipe)

    Common Questions

    Is Dal Palak healthy?

    Yes, Dal Palak is a very healthy dish. It is high in protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. The lentils provide a good source of plant-based protein, while the spinach is a great source of iron and other nutrients.

    Can I make Palak Dal without a pressure cooker?

    Yes, you can make Dal Palak on the stovetop in a regular pot. Simply follow the recipe and cook the dal and spinach until they are soft and fully cooked.

    Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

    Yes, you can use frozen spinach instead of fresh. Just be sure to thaw the spinach and drain any excess water before adding it to the dal.

    Can I make Dal Palak ahead of time?

    Yes, you can make Dal Palak ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months.

    Can I use other types of lentils instead of masoor dal?

    Yes, you can use other types of lentils like moong dal, toor dal, or chana dal to make Dal Palak. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different lentils require different cooking times.

    Can I skip the onion and garlic in the recipe?

    Yes, you can skip the onion and garlic if you prefer.

    Is Dal Palak spicy?

    The level of spice in Spinach Dahl can be adjusted to your taste. If you prefer less spice, you can skip the chili powder and use less green chilies. If you like it spicy, you can add more chili powder or chilies to the recipe.

    Some more Indian Dal recipes

    • Lehsuni Moong Dal
    • Sindhi Tidali Dal
    • Green Moong Dal
    • Sindhi Chana Dal
    • Sindhi Makhani Moong Dal

    Some more Spinach recipes

    • Palak Paratha [Spinach Flatbread]
    • Instant Pot Palak Paneer
    • Tofu Palak Paratha [Tofu Spinach Flatbread]
    • Indian Winter Recipes
    instant pot spinach dal

    Easy Instant Pot Spinach Dal

    Jyoti Behrani
    Instant Pot Spinach dal is a creamy, flavorful, and nutritious Indian dish that combines tender, cooked lentils with fresh spinach leaves and aromatic spices.
    No ratings yet
    Print Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 25 minutes mins
    Course Main Course, Side Dish
    Cuisine Indian, North Indian
    Servings 4
    Calories 311 kcal

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot

    Ingredients
     
     

    • ½ cup red lentils (masoor dal or moong dal)
    • 2 cups spinach palak, chopped (about 6-8 oz.)
    • 2 cups water
    • salt to taste
    • ½ inch ginger grated
    • 4-5 cloves garlic minced
    • 1 medium tomato chopped
    • 1-2 green chili chopped; adjust to taste
    • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
    • ½ teaspoon red chili powder ; adjust to taste
    • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds jeera
    • pinch of asafoetida hing
    • ½ teaspoon garam masala optional
    • 1 tablespoon ghee or oil; For vegan, use oil
    • Freshly squeezed lemon juice to taste

    For pot-in-pot rice (optional)

    • 1 cup Basmati Rice
    • 1 ¼ cup Water
    • 1 teaspoon Ghee or oil optional
    • salt to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Rinse the dal under running water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
    • Press the 'Sauté' button on the Instant Pot and heat the oil. Add cumin seeds and asafoetida. Let the seeds splutter.
    • Add minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds.
    • Add the chopped tomato, and green chili, and sauté until it turns soft.
    • Add the dal, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well.
    • Add 3 cups of water and mix well.
    • (Optional) Place the trivet. In a bowl, add all ingredients for rice and place it on top of the trivet.
    • Close the Instant Pot with the lid and set the valve to the 'Sealing' position.
    • Press the 'Pressure Cook' or 'Manual' button and set the time to 5 minutes on high pressure.
    • For the stove-top pressure cooker, close the lid and cook on a medium flame for 3-4 whistles. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
    • Once the cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes and then release the remaining pressure manually.
    • Open the lid and add chopped spinach and garam masala. Mix well.
    • Press the 'Sauté' button and cook for a few more minutes until the spinach is wilted and the dal is thick and creamy.
    • Add some freshly squeezed lemon juice and serve hot with rice or bread.
    • Note: If the dal is too thick, you can add more water and adjust the seasoning according to your taste.

    Notes

    Please refer to the post for the following:
    1. How to serve?
    2. Variations
    3. Common Questions

    Nutrition

    Nutrition Facts
    Easy Instant Pot Spinach Dal
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    311
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    6
    g
    9
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    3
    g
    19
    %
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    0.5
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    2
    g
    Cholesterol
     
    13
    mg
    4
    %
    Sodium
     
    69
    mg
    3
    %
    Potassium
     
    424
    mg
    12
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    54
    g
    18
    %
    Fiber
     
    9
    g
    38
    %
    Sugar
     
    1
    g
    1
    %
    Protein
     
    10
    g
    20
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    1625
    IU
    33
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    10
    mg
    12
    %
    Calcium
     
    59
    mg
    6
    %
    Iron
     
    3
    mg
    17
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    Disclaimer

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

    Tried this recipe?Mention @livingsmartandhealthy or tag #livingsmartandhealthy
    Subscribe to my YouTube Channel!Check out Living Smart And Healthy!

    KEYWORD

    dal palak, dal palak instant pot, dal palak recipe, spinach dahl, spinach dal, spinach dal instant pot


    More Entrees Recipes

    • Best Indian Winter Recipes
    • Simple Varan Bhaat [Maharashtrian Varan Recipe]
    • Amazing Zucchini Kofta Curry [Indian Zucchini Dumplings]
    • Easy Potato Curry [Aloo Ki Sabji]

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    You must be logged in to post a comment.

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Jyoti!

    Glad to meet you! Here you will find a variety of recipes ranging from quick and easy weeknight dinners to more complex dishes for special occasions. I love using fresh, seasonal ingredients and incorporating different cultural influences into my cooking.

    More about me →

    Trending Recipes

    • Easy Homemade Hot Sauce Recipe Without Fermenting
    • Sindhi Moong Dal Tadka | Wholesome and Nutritious
    • Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup Recipe
    • Best Bhindi Fry Recipe | Indian Okra Stir Fry

    Footer

    As Featured In


    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Author
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us

    Recipes

    • Indian Recipes
    • Vegan Recipes
    • Instant Pot Recipes
    • Air Fryer Recipes
    • Gluten Free Recipes
    • Low Carb Recipes
    • Recipe Roundups
    • Web Stories

    Resources

    • Shop
    • Pantry Essentials
    • Holiday Gift Guide
    • Subscribe

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Living Smart and Healthy