Palak - Dal Shorba (Spinach - Lentil soup)

          
         This is a very nutritious and delicious soup. As Palak (spinach) and tuvar dal contains lot of vitamins, iron, proteins and fibre, it is a very healthy option. Relish it with some bread sticks for a wholesome meal. It is a great comfort soup during a cold winter night.

• 2 cups, spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup tuvar dal (split pigeon pea)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1" ginger, chopped
• 2-3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• salt to taste
• 1/4 tsp. turmeric powder
• 1 tsp. coriander-cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp. garam masala powder
• 1/2 tsp. red chili powder
• juice of 1/2 lime
• cheese to garnish

          

          Soak the dal for 30 minutes. Heat oil in a pan and saute the onion, ginger and garlic till light brown.

          Add the coriander-cumin powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder and red chili powder mixed with little water.

          Saute for a few seconds. To it, add the dal, spinach, salt and 3 cups water. Pressure cook for 3 whistles. 

         When cool, blend in a mixer, add lime juice and heat through. Serve, garnished with some cheese on the top.