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Spinach, potato and paneer with tarka dal
Serves 4 Starters and mains
For the tarka dal
- 200g split red lentils, rinsed
- 1⁄2tsp turmeric
- 2tsp ground coriander
- 11⁄2tbsp ghee
- 1⁄2tsp cumin seeds
- seeds from 2 cardamom pods
- 1⁄2tsp black onion seeds
- pinch asafoetida
- pinch garam masala
- 1 red chilli, thinly sliced
For the spinach, potato and paneer
- 1tsp turmeric
- 2tsp ground coriander
- 1tsp ground cumin
- 5tbsp ghee
- 225g paneer, cut into 1.5cm cubes
- 2 onions, halved, thinly sliced then roughly chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2cm ginger, peeled and finely grated
- 400g spinach, stalks androots removed
- 300g potatoes, peeled, cut into 2cm cubes and blanched for 5 minutes in boiling salted water
- 250ml vegetable stock
- 1tsp garam masala
To serve
- fresh coriander
- extra chillies (optional)
- crispy fried shallots (optional)
Method
To make the tarka dal, put the lentils in a pan with the turmeric and coriander. Cover with 1cm of boiling water. Cook on a medium heat for 30 minutes until soft.
Meanwhile, prepare the spinach, potato and paneer. Dissolve the turmeric, coriander and cumin in 2tbsp of cold water to create a spice paste. Heat 3tbsp of ghee in a large wok and fry the paneer on all sides until a rich golden colour. Lift out and put on a tray lined with kitchen paper.
Add the rest of the ghee to the wok and fry the onion, garlic and ginger for 10 minutes, stirring often, until it just turns golden.
Add the spice paste and potato and cook, stirring often, for 4 minutes. Add the stock and cook for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes have softened and the liquid thickened. Mix in the spinach and paneer, and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the garam masala, and season with sea salt crystals and freshly ground black pepper. Top with fresh coriander, crispy fried shallots and chillies.
To finish the tarka dal, heat the ghee in a pan and add the cumin, cardamom and onion seeds along with the asafoetida and a pinch of garam masala. When they sizzle, pour over the hot dal, cover and leave to infuse for a few minutes. Serve topped with sliced chillies.
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