Creamy Spinach Dal: A Comforting, High-Protein Bowl You’ll Crave All Week

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There are some recipes that feel like a hug — warm, nourishing, and good for the soul — and this Creamy Spinach Dal is definitely one of them. If you love cosy one-pot meals, rich spices, and healthy comfort food you can make any night of the week, this dal will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

I’ve been making different versions of lentil dal for years, but this one? This is the kind I make when I need something deeply comforting yet incredibly nutritious. It’s packed with protein from split peas and red lentils, loaded with fresh spinach, and layered with the kind of spices that make your entire home smell dreamy.

And the best part? You don’t need anything fancy. Just pantry ingredients, a pot, and about 30 minutes.

Let’s make it.

Why You’ll Love This Spinach Dal

• High in protein & fiber thanks to lentils and peas

• Naturally gluten-free & vegan

• Uses everyday pantry ingredients

• One-pot, beginner-friendly, and deeply flavourful

• Budget-friendly, meal-prep friendly, and incredibly satisfying

  
  

If you need easy dinner ideas, healthy meal prep, or cosy recipes for busy weeknights, this dal checks every box.

Creamy Spinach Dal

Ingredients You’ll Need

Lentils

• ¾ cup split peas, soaked with a pinch of baking soda (or substitute with moong dal or toor dal)

• ¾ cup red lentils, rinsed and drained

• 4 cups water

  
  

Vegetables

• ½ lb spinach, rinsed, patted dry & shredded

• 1 medium yellow onion (thinly sliced)

• 1 large tomato, chopped

• 2 teaspoons chopped green chili (optional)

• 7 cloves garlic, finely grated

• 1½ teaspoons freshly grated ginger

• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (garnish)

  
  

Spices

• 4 tablespoons olive or avocado oil

• 2 teaspoons cumin seeds

• 4 dried red chilies

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon turmeric

• 2 teaspoons ground coriander

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 teaspoons lemon juice

Quick Recipe Facts

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegan

How to Make Spinach Dal (Step-by-Step)

1. Soak & Prep the Lentils

Soak ¾ cup split peas with a pinch of baking soda for about 30 minutes. Rinse ¾ cup red lentils, then drain. (If you’re short on time, moong dal or toor dal soften faster — perfect easy swaps!)

2. Fry the Onions to Golden Perfection

Heat 4 tablespoons of oil in a large pot. Add the thinly sliced onion and sauté until golden and crispy. Remove a small handful and set it aside for garnish—trust me, these crispy onions on top make the dal next level.

3. Bloom the Spices (The Flavour Moment!)

To the remaining onions, add:

• 2 teaspoons cumin seeds

• 7 grated garlic cloves

• 4 dried red chilies

Cook until fragrant, then stir in:

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon turmeric

• 2 teaspoons coriander

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• 1½ teaspoons grated ginger

  
  

This step fills your kitchen with the most incredible aroma — it’s where the magic happens.

4. Add the Tomato & Spinach

Stir in:

• 1 chopped tomato

• 2 teaspoons chopped green chili (optional)

• Shredded spinach

Let everything cook down until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften completely.

5. Simmer Until Creamy

Now pour in:

• The lentils

• 4 cups water

• 1 teaspoon salt

Bring to a simmer and cook for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the dal becomes creamy, thick, and beautifully golden.

6. Finish & Serve

Stir in 2 teaspoons lemon juice for brightness. Top with:

• Crispy fried onions

• Fresh cilantro

Serve warm with rice, naan, or flatbread, or enjoy it just as a cosy bowl on its own.

Tips for the Best Spinach Dal✔ Add coconut milk

Stir in ¼ cup at the end for a creamier, richer dal.

✔ Adjust heat easily

Remove the seeds from the green chilli — or skip it — for a mild version.

✔ Meal prep superhero

Dal tastes even better the next day as the spices deepen.

✔ Make it thicker or thinner

Simmer longer for a thick, scoopable dal—or add water for a soupier consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Spinach Dal is everything I love in a comforting bowl: simple, nourishing, deeply flavoured, and easy enough for any night of the week. It’s the kind of recipe you make once, then wonder how you ever lived without it.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to see your creation! Tag me on Instagram @basil.bite so I can share your cosy bowl of dal with our community.

Craving more wholesome, flavour-packed recipes? Here are some of my favourites:

• Try this Easy Miso Butter Beans Recipe for a vegan, high-protein, gut-friendly dish that’s creamy and comforting.

• For another nourishing option, check out my Green Mung Bean Dal Recipe, perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner.

• Want to explore global flavours? Discover the Authentic Flavours of Lebanese Chickpeas for a vibrant, Middle Eastern-inspired dish packed with taste.Final Thoughts