Palak Tovve Recipe – South Indian Dal Palak With Coconut

Palak Dal is a tasty and nutritious Karnataka style curry, also known as Palak Tovve, is quick to make and tastes delicious. Palak Dal is a nutritious combination of spinach and lentils, together they create one wholesome curry. Serve it with rotis for a simple weeknight dinner or traditional delicacies like majjige huli on the special festive occasions.  Spinach Leaves (Palak), Arhar dal (Split Toor Dal), Fresh coconut, Green Chillies, Coriander (Dhania) Leaves, Salt, Ghee, Mustard seeds (Rai/ Kadugu), Cumin seeds (Jeera), Asafoetida (hing), Curry leaves   Spinach Leaves (Palak) , 2 bunches, washed and chopped 2 cups Arhar dal (Split Toor Dal) 1 cup Fresh coconut , grated 5 Green Chillies Coriander (Dhania) Leaves Salt , to taste Ingredients for the seasoning 1 tablespoon Ghee 1/2 teaspoon Mustard seeds (Rai/ Kadugu) 1/2 teaspoon Cumin seeds (Jeera) 1/4 teaspoon Asafoetida (hing) 5 Curry leaves     20   30     To start making Palak Dal, start by cooking the toor dal with 3 cups of water and turmeric powder until it becomes very soft. See how to cook lentils (Dals/Pulses)Next, steam or blanch the chopped spinach. Keep it aside until required. See how to steam vegetablesNow, grind the grated coconut, coriander leaves, green chillies, salt with just enough water in a mixer to blend into a smooth paste. Transfer the paste to a bowl and keep aside.In a saucepan pour in the cooked dal and mash it well until it becomes a smooth paste like. You can use a potato masher, a wooden whisk or a hand blender to do this. Stir in the cooked spinach and the coconut paste into the dal. Stir to combine. Adjust the consistency of the curry by adding a little water.For the seasoning, heat ghee in a small pan over medium heat, add the mustard seeds, cumin seeds and allow them to crackle. Now add curry leaves, asafoetida, and fry for a minute or so. Turn off the heat.Pour this seasoning over the Palak Dal. Simmer the dal over medium heat for few minutes. Turn off the heat.Palak Tovve or Palak Dal is now ready. Serve hot with Stuffed Aubergines.