Palak Dal, also known as Palakoora Pappu, is a simple, comforting South Indian dal made with fresh spinach and toor dal. Light on the stomach yet rich in nutrition, this everyday recipe is a staple in many Andhra and Telugu households. It pairs beautifully with hot steamed rice, ghee, and a little pickle on the side.
If you’re looking for an easy, healthy, and homely dal recipe, this Palak Dal is perfect for busy weekdays and wholesome family meals.
What is Palak Dal (Palakoora Pappu)?
Palak Dal is a traditional Indian lentil dish where spinach (palak/palakoora) is cooked with toor dal and flavored with simple spices and a fragrant tempering. Unlike heavy restaurant-style dals, this dish is mildly spiced, naturally flavorful, and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients for Palak Dal Recipe
For Cooking Dal
- ½ cup toor dal (split pigeon peas)
- 2 cups spinach (palak / palakoora), finely chopped
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 2 green chilies, slit
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups water
For Tempering (Tadka)
- 1 tablespoon oil or ghee
- ½ teaspoon mustard seeds
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
- 2 dry red chilies
- 4–5 garlic cloves, lightly crushed
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- Curry leaves (optional)
Step-by-Step Palak Dal Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Dal
Wash and soak toor dal for 10 minutes. Add dal, turmeric, salt, onion, tomato, and green chilies to a pressure cooker. Add water and cook for 3–4 whistles until soft and mushy.
Step 2: Add Spinach
Open the cooker, add chopped spinach, and mix well. Cook on low flame for 5–7 minutes until the spinach softens and blends into the dal.
Step 3: Mash and Simmer
Lightly mash the dal using a ladle. Adjust consistency by adding water if needed. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes for flavors to come together.
Step 4: Prepare Tempering
Heat oil or ghee in a pan. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Once they crackle, add dry red chilies, garlic, curry leaves, and hing. Sauté until garlic turns golden.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Pour the tempering over the palak dal and mix well. Turn off the heat.
Tips for Tasty Palakoora Pappu
- Always add spinach after dal is cooked to retain color and nutrients.
- Use ghee for richer flavor.
- For Andhra-style taste, add a small piece of tamarind while cooking dal.
- Adjust green chilies according to spice preference.
Serving Suggestions
Palak Dal tastes best when served with:
- Hot steamed rice and ghee
- Andhra avakaya or simple pickle
- Papad or vegetable stir-fry
Health Benefits of Palak Dal
- Rich in iron and fiber
- High in plant-based protein
- Easy to digest and nutritious
- Ideal for kids and elders
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple, homely, and comforting
- Requires minimal ingredients
- Naturally healthy and flavorful
- Perfect for everyday meals
Final Thoughts
This Palak Dal / Palakoora Pappu recipe is proof that simple food can be incredibly delicious. With fresh spinach, soft dal, and a flavorful tempering, it brings warmth and comfort to every bite.
Try this recipe once, and it will surely become a regular on your dining table. Happy cooking! 🌿🍚
