Methi Leaves Dal

(South Indian Spinach Recipe)

Methi Leaves Dal Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup toor dal
• 1 bunch methi leaves
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 1 tomato (chopped)
• 6 green chillies or to taste
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tbsp tamarind pulp
• salt to taste

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/4 tsp mustard seeds
• 1/4 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/4 tsp fenugreek seeds
• few curry leaves
• a pinch of asafoetida
• 1 tbsp oil

Methi leaves dal preparation:

• Clean and wash the toor dal and methi leaves (menthi aaku or venthya keerai).
• Add methi leaves, toor dal, chopped onion, chopped tomatoes, chopped green chillies, turmeric powder, tamarind pulp and salt in a pressure cooker.
• Pressure cook for 2 to 3 whistles.
• Remove from heat and allow to cool for some time.
• Now mash the pressure cooked items with a wooden masher and keep aside.
• Heat a pan with oil.
• Add mustared seeds.
• When they start to pop add cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, curry leaves and asafoetida.
• Saute for few seconds and add the cooked and mashed dal.
• Combine well, adjust salt and remove from the stove.
• Methi leaves dal is ready to serve.
• Serve with plain white rice, roti or chapathi.

prep & cooking time: 20-30 mins

serves: 2-4