Looking for an easy one-pot meal that is comforting, filling and simple enough for a busy day? This Spinach Dal Rice combines rice, lentils and fresh spinach with everyday Indian spices in one pot.
Why You’ll Love This Spinach Dal Rice
- One-pot recipe with easy cleanup
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Comforting and family-friendly
- Ready for a simple lunch or dinner
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 1/2 cup yellow moong dal
- 2 cups chopped spinach
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 3 cups water
- 1 tablespoon oil or ghee
- Salt to taste
How to Make Spinach Dal Rice
- Rinse the rice and dal together until the water is mostly clear.
- Heat oil or ghee in a pressure cooker or heavy pot. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
- Add onion and cook until softened. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Add tomato, turmeric and chilli powder. Cook until the tomato softens.
- Add the rinsed rice and dal, spinach and water. Mix well.
- Pressure cook for about 3 whistles, or simmer covered until the rice and dal are soft and creamy.
- Stir in garam masala. Adjust the consistency with a little hot water if needed.
Serving Ideas
Serve hot with plain curd, cucumber salad, roasted vegetables or a squeeze of lemon. For a lighter meal, keep the portion moderate and add extra vegetables on the side.
Recipe Tips
You can add carrots, peas or bottle gourd for extra vegetables. If you prefer a softer khichdi-style texture, add another 1/2 cup of water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without a pressure cooker?
Yes. Use a heavy pot, cover and simmer on low heat until the rice and dal are completely cooked.
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but brown rice generally needs more cooking time and additional water, so adjust the cooking method accordingly.