Healthy and Green Living

This classic Indian recipe combines lentils and spring spinach to make a simple, delicious dish that may be served with rice or bread.

The recipe includes garlic, ginger, and turmeric which have been shown to contain cancer-fighting substances, so this easy-to-make dish is a super health-booster, too. What a great combination: healthy, full of protein and fabulous flavors, and it also happens to be vegan!

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 cups lentils
4 cups water
2 dried chiles, left whole
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 cup chopped onions
4 cups chopped fresh spinach
1 teaspoon freshly-grated ginger root
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1. Add washed lentils to a medium pot and cover with the four cups of water. Add the dried chiles, turmeric, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring often, until lentils are very tender, about 35 minutes. Add water if necessary to keep lentils from sticking.

2. About 10 minutes from the end of the lentil cooking time, heat the oil in a small saucepan and add the cumin seeds, and allow to cook for 10 to 15 seconds. Stir in onions and ginger and cook for about 5 minutes, until onions are softened and translucent. Add spinach and continue cooking for 5 more minutes.

3. When the lentils are cooked, remove the chiles and discard them. Add the onion-spinach mixture to the lentils, then add the lemon juice and salt to taste. Stir to combine.

4. May be served on top of rice, or alongside bread.

Serves 6.