Green Moong Spinach Curry-A Protein Loaded Indian Vegetarian Entrée
(Lasooni Dal Palak Recipe)
Being a Vegetarian North Indian, Lentils have always been a staple in my family since generations. When we were kids, mom always used to cook more and more protein rich recipes to meet the nutritional needs of the family. So, I am almost accustomed to that trend and has been trying to follow the same for my kids.
The expression "good things come in small packages" certainly holds true for moong beans. Moong beans been a part of traditional Ayurvedic diets in India for thousands of years. It is an excellent source of protein for vegetarians.
Moong beans are loaded with enzymes, nutrients and antioxidants which are essential for maintaining good health. The presence of medicinal properties in the Moong beans assists to enhance the health. It is good for the health of eyes, hair, nails and liver. It also enhances the blood circulation.
It is loaded with high amount of fiber and low in calories. Moong beans are used in traditional Chinese medicine for the therapeutic uses such as to detoxify body and eliminate heat.
Just imagine when these mighty beans are combined with spinach, another superfood which needs no introduction when it comes to the health benefits, the benefits become multifold. Spinach provides whole lot of health benefits. Some major ones being controlling diabetes, prevents cancer and good for eyes and cleansing of the system too.
Green Moong Spinach Curry is a very frequent dish prepared in my kitchen due to the complete nutritional package it brings along. It's a very easy recipe which is tested and tasted over and over again. The friends and guests who have tested this recipe have given great reviews about it.
This dish is served in main course as an entrée along with Rice or Breads (Roti or Naan). Lasooni Dal Palak is an absolute winter delight oozing out that strong garlicky flavor in a fragrant ghee Tadka(tempering) garnished with Indian Garam Masala(just perfect to keep you warm) along with the hot rotis. I am sure you are already drooling over the description of this dish. So. Let's get started with the recipe of Green Moong Spinach Curry (Lassoni Dal Palak).
Green Moong Spinach Curry-A Protein Loaded Indian Vegetarian Entree
(Lasooni Dal Palak Recipe)-Serves: 4-5
1 cup split Green Moong Beans(Green Gram), washed thoroughly and drained
1 ½ cup chopped spinach
1 large onion finely chopped
1 large tomato chopped
2- 3 green chilies
6-7 chopped garlic cloves
½ tsp. Turmeric powder
1 ½ tsp Coriander powder
½ tsp Red chili powder
1 tsp Indian Garam Masala
¼ tsp Asafoetida
1 tsp Cumin seeds
1 to 2 tbsp ghee(Use any cooking oil of your choice. I prefer Ghee as it enhances the taste of this recipe)
Salt to taste
Methods:
Green Moong Spinach Curry-A Protein Loaded Indian Vegetarian Entree (Lasooni Dal Palak Recipe)1. Add Green Moong Beans, spinach, tomatoes, salt and turmeric in a pressure cooker along with 5 cups of water and cook till Moong beans are done. It usually takes 10-15 minutes on medium flame.
2. Once the Moong Beans are done, prepare the tadka(tempering).
3. Take Ghee in a pan. Once hot, add cumin seeds.
4. Add green chilies, cook for a minute.
5. Add chopped garlic and let the aroma of that burnt garlic ooze out. Don't over burn or cook the garlic. Just make sure to cook it till that desired point where you can smell the strong garlicky aroma.
6. Add chopped onions and cook till golden brown.
7. Add coriander powder, red chili powder and mix well.
8. Add the tadka(tempering) to the prepared Moong Beans and mix well.
9. Garnish with fresh green coriander and serve hot with steamed rice or hot rotis or naan for that delightful experience.
