Spinach with moong dal

6 Servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
Stephen Ceideburg
2cupsMoong dal
1poundsFrozen chopped spinach, defrosted
3Fresh green chiles, stemmed and sliced lengthwise
1tablespoonTamarind paste
1teaspoonTurmeric
1teaspoonSugar
Salt to taste
1tablespoonCorn oil
2teaspoonsMustard seeds
1teaspoonFenugreek seeds
2Whole, dried red chile peppers
½teaspoonAsafetida

Directions

Rinse dal thoroughly in a strainer under running water. Put in a large saucepan with 5 cups water and bring to a boil. Add spinach and green chiles and simmer 10 minutes. Add tamarind, turmeric, sugar and salt.

Cook 15-20 minutes more.

Heat oil in a small saucepan or skillet. When hot, lower the heat and add mustard seeds, fenugreek and dry chiles. Cook, stirring, until mustard seeds crackle. Stir in asafetida. Add to spinach mixture and check for salt. Serve warm.

Courtesy, Sue Sista of "Sue's India Cuisine", San Jose and Mountain View. From the San Jose Mercury News, 6/9/93.