Spinach lentil dal

ingredients

• 2–3 tablespoons ghee
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, rough chopped
• 2 tablespoons ginger, finely chopped
• 1 medium jalapeno, finely chopped (or serrano)
• 1 teaspoonblack mustard seeds
• 2 teaspooncumin seeds
• 2 teaspoonsgaram masala
• 1 lb spinach (fresh if possible or frozen)
• 10 mint leaves (optional)
• 2 tablespoons water (if using fresh spinach)
• —–
• 3/4 cup water
• —–
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 3–4 cups cookedblack lentils (or aka caviar lentils, beluga lentils or French green lentils)
• 1 teaspoon salt

instructions

1. If cooking black lentils and basmati rice, start them first (see notes)
2. Make the Spinach Sauce: Sautee the onion in ghee, in a large pan, over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, then add garlic, ginger and chilies. Saute until fragrant and golden. Add the mustard seeds, cumin seeds and garam masala and stir two minutes. Lower heat to low. Add the fresh spinach, mint and water. Cover pan, 2-3 minutes, letting spinach wilt. Give a few stirs.
3. Blend Spinach Sauce: Place the wiled spinach mixture in a blender and add the 3/4 water. Pulse and few times (hold lid down tight). If you want a smooth sauce, blend until smooth. I left a little texture here.  Pour it back into the pan, set on low heat.
4. Combine: Mix in the yogurt, lentils and salt. Adjust salt to your liking, adding more if necessary! You want this slightly salty because you are serving over rice which will mellow it out a lot. For more heat add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes.
5. Serve with the basmati rice and naan bread!