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Lentils and Spinach: An Indian Dish

Lentils and Spinach: An Indian Dish

A comforting dish combines nutritious lentils with fresh spinach, creating a flavorful and wholesome meal that's perfect for any day of the week. Easy to prepare and full of vibrant spices, it brings a taste of India to your kitchen.

★★★★☆4.9(7 reviews)Updated: Mar 31, 2026
Prep Time 15 min
Cook Time 1 hr
Total Time 1 hr 15 min
Difficulty Hard

Ingredients 0/17

Why Everyone Loves This Recipe

Full of vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients. It combines protein-rich lentils with fresh spinach, making it both nutritious and satisfying. The spices add warmth and depth, perfect for a comforting meal any day.

Smart Cooking Tips

- Rinse the lentils well before cooking to remove any dust and improve texture.
- Use fresh spinach for the best color and taste, but frozen spinach can work in a pinch.
- Add spices like cumin and turmeric early to release their full aroma and flavor.

Step 1

Heat some oil in a heavy pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it starts to turn a nice golden brown—this usually takes about 10 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can really smell that garlic aroma.

Step 2

Stir in the chicken broth, lentils, half a cup of water, crushed garlic, and all the spices—coriander, salt, cumin, chili powder, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, cloves, cayenne pepper, and a bay leaf. Bring everything to a boil, then cover the pan and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer gently for about 35 minutes, or until the lentils are nice and soft.

Step 3

While the lentils are cooking, put the spinach in a microwave-safe bowl with a quarter cup of water. Microwave it for 5 minutes, give it a good stir, then microwave again for another 5 minutes until it’s fully heated through. Let it cool for a few minutes, then drain off any excess water and squeeze out the rest.

Step 4

Once the spinach is ready, mix it into the lentils. Cover the pan again and let everything simmer together for about 10 more minutes so the flavors can come together and it’s heated through. Serve warm and enjoy!

Serving Ideas To Try

Serve this dish with warm basmati rice or soft naan bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of yogurt or raita can add a cooling contrast, while a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavors.

Reheating And Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the mixture feels too thick. It also freezes well for up to a month.
136
people cooked this recipe
DC
By Daniel Carter
Recipe Developer
Daniel focuses on practical, easy-to-follow recipes designed for everyday home cooking.

Heart icon Nutrition Facts

180 Calories
Fat
4 g
Carbs
25 g
Protein
12 g
Fiber
8 g
Sugar
3 g
Sodium
400 mg
Serving Size: 1 serving
*Nutrition values are estimates and may vary.

Reviews (7)

4.9 out of 5
★★★★★
7 Ratings
5 star
6
4 star
1
3 star
0
2 star
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Rate This Recipe

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User Reviews

Lina M.
★★★★★
Apr 22, 2026
Loved the balance of spices and greens. I rushed a bit but it still came out excellent – will make again soon!
Nia
★★★★★
Mar 20, 2026
Loved the balance of spices and the creamy texture. Took less than 30 minutes, will definitely cook again soon.
Nadira
★★★★★
Mar 04, 2026
Easy to cook and tastes authentic. I added a squeeze of lemon at the end, which really brightened the dish.
Sofia
★★★★★
Feb 26, 2026
Loved the fresh spinach with lentils combo, super healthy and tasty. Easy to follow recipe, perfect for my first try!
Dario
★★★★☆
Feb 17, 2026
Good recipe, but the flavor was mild for my taste. Added some extra chili flakes, still enjoyed by the whole family.
Amina
★★★★★
Feb 14, 2026
Loved the way the lentils softened and mixed with spinach. Very comforting dish, perfect for a light dinner.
Omar
★★★★★
Jan 31, 2026
Turned out great for a quick dinner. Used cumin seeds and it gave it an extra pop of flavor. Will cook again soon.
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