Spinach, Sweet Potato & Lentil Dhal

A comforting and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any time of the year: Spinach, Sweet Potato & Lentil Dhal. This one-pot wonder is packed with iron, low in fat, and counts for three of your five-a-day. It’s a vegan delight that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying.

How to Make It

Let’s get started! This recipe is all about layering flavors and letting them simmer together to create a harmonious blend. Here’s a quick overview to get you going:

First, gather your ingredients. You’ll need sweet potatoes, red split lentils, spinach, onions, garlic, ginger, and a mix of spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Don’t forget the vegetable stock to bring it all together.

Next, heat some oil in a large pot and sauté the onions, garlic, and ginger until fragrant. Add the spices and stir well to coat the onions. Then, add the sweet potatoes and lentils, along with the vegetable stock. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the lentils and sweet potatoes are tender.

Finally, stir in the spinach and let it wilt into the dhal. Adjust the seasoning to your taste and serve it hot. This dish is perfect with some steamed rice or naan bread.

Make Ahead Method

If you’re planning to serve this dhal for a special occasion or just want to have some ready for the week, you can definitely make it ahead of time. Here’s how:

Prepare the dhal as instructed and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stove, adding a bit of water if needed to adjust the consistency. You can also freeze portions of the dhal for up to a month. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Pro Tips

Making the perfect Spinach, Sweet Potato & Lentil Dhal involves a few key tips:

• Use Fresh Spices: Fresh spices make a world of difference. If you can, grind your own spices or use high-quality pre-ground ones.
• Cook the Sweet Potatoes Separately: For a more refined texture, you can roast the sweet potatoes separately and add them to the dhal towards the end of cooking. This ensures they don’t become too mushy⁵⁶.
• Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker dhal, you can mash some of the lentils and sweet potatoes with the back of a spoon to create a creamier texture. If it’s too thick, simply add more vegetable stock or water.
• Add Greens Last: Always add the spinach at the very end of cooking to prevent it from overcooking and losing its vibrant color.

Storage

Storing your Spinach, Sweet Potato & Lentil Dhal properly will help it stay fresh for longer:

• Refrigerator: If you plan to eat the dhal within a few days, store it in the refrigerator. Keep it in an airtight container. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, keep the dhal in the freezer. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to a month.

Tools For This Recipe

Having the right tools can make creating this Spinach, Sweet Potato & Lentil Dhal a breeze:

• Large Pot: You’ll need a large pot for cooking the dhal.
• Wooden Spoon: A wooden spoon is great for stirring and mashing some of the lentils and sweet potatoes if you prefer a thicker consistency.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key in cooking. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure you get the right amounts.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of lentil for this recipe?

A: Absolutely! While red split lentils are traditional, you can use green or brown lentils as well. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different lentils have varying cooking times.

Q: How do I prevent the dhal from becoming too mushy?

A: To prevent the dhal from becoming too mushy, avoid overcooking the lentils and sweet potatoes. You can also roast the sweet potatoes separately and add them towards the end of cooking⁵⁶.

Q: Can I make this recipe without spinach?

A: Sure thing! If you’re not a fan of spinach, you can omit it or substitute it with other greens like kale or collard greens⁵.

Q: What can I serve with this Spinach, Sweet Potato & Lentil Dhal?

A: This dhal pairs beautifully with steamed rice, naan bread, or even a side of roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a fresh salad for added crunch.