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image of spinach and lentils with rice

Vegan spinach curry with lentils

This vegan spinach curry recipe is nutrient dense, delicious, full of antioxidants, carotenoids and other compounds that aid in anticancer, anti-inflammation, and longevity.
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Servings: 4
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup of boiled green lentils salt added
  • 2 bunches of Savoy spinach
  • 1 medium red onion sliced
  • 1 Teaspoon of diced ginger
  • 2 garlic cloves crushed
  • 5 curry leaves sliced
  • 1 Teaspoon of cumin powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Pinch of cumin seeds
  • 1/2 a cup of water
  • 2 tbsp of thick coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon of neutral tasting oil canola or any other vegetable oil
  • 1 green chili optional

Method
 

  1. Heat oil in a medium heat. Add cumin seeds let them fry for few seconds and then add onion, ginger, and garlic. Let them fry until fragrant and onions are translucent.
  2. Add curry leaves and green chili and fry for few seconds.
  3. Add tomato and cook until juices are released.
  4. Add cumin powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well.
  5. Add spinach and add a half a cup of water, cover and let the spinach steam on medium for minute or two. Gently turn repeatedly and steam until leaves turn bright green and just start to wilt.
  6. Transfer everything into a blender along with cup of coconut milk. Puree until smooth.
  7. Transfer the pureed green sauce back to the pot and add boiled lentils. Gently heat until sauce starts simmering, and flavors are combined.
  8. Serve warm with rice.

Notes

Notes of blanching spinach 
Do not walk away from pot because blanched will happen faster than you think. As soon as Spinach turns bright green and just starts to become soft, turn the heat off. Keep the pot covered for another few seconds.
Chili tempering for spicy food lovers 
I added a chili tempering because I like spicy food. I gently fried a couple of dry red chilies, half an inch of cinnamon, and a few curry leaves in mustard oil to  bring up heat level in the curry. But this step is optional and if you like a milder taste, it tasted perfect as it is.