Long Squash Spinach Dal

Can you believe when I tell that there probably are more number of dal recipes than the number of houses in India? They might not differ a lot, but there will be some change or the other. Even in the single house there will be different variations of dal. I make different kinds too. This is one of those recipes which I am posting just for keeping it as a part of the journal. There is nothing special about this recipe.

Ingredients:

• Toor Dal - 1 cup
• Long squash - 1 medium peeled and cut into chunks
• Red Onions - 3 medium or 2 large cut into chunks
• Tomatoes - 2 small cut finely
• Spinach - 1/2 a bunch fresh or about 1 pound frozen chopped
• Green chillies - 8 - 10 as per taste
• Garlic - 2 pods crushed finely
• Ginger - 1/2 inch piece peeled and chopped finely
• Oil - 2 TBSP
• Mustard Seeds - 1/2 tsp
• Curry leaves - a few
• Cumin Seeds - 1/2 tsp
• Turmeric - a big pinch
• Salt - to taste
• Lime Juice - to taste (optional)

Method:
Cook dal with a little bit of oil and turmeric along with long squash in a pressure cooker with enough water. In a pan, heat oil. When hot, add mustard seeds. When they splutter, add cumin seeds, ginger, garlic, green chillies, curry leaves. When they are almost done, add chopped onions. Add turmeric and some salt and saute till they are cooked. Now, add the spinach and stir. Add tomatoes and let it cook for a minute or two. Add the cooked dal and long squash mixture and mix well. Bring it to a boil adding water if necessary. Check for the seasoning and adjust as per taste. Turn it off and you might squeeze some lime juice if using and mix and serve. Serve with rotis, chapathis or plain rice.

Note: Instead of using green chillies, you could use red chilli powder. Could use ginger garlic paste instead of fresh garlic and ginger to save time. For some reason, I have never liked using ginger garlic paste in my cooking, but is an option.
This goes to Suma's 'Delicious Dals of India' along with my 'Dilly Masoor Dal' and 'Methi Subzi with Split peas'.

Happy Cooking!!