NOURISHING DAHL WITH CHICKPEAS AND BABY SPINACH

This recipe uses a store-bought curry paste to save time and fuss, but it still delivers on the creamy comfort you’d hope for from one of my weeknight favourites.

Serves 4 • Ready in 30 minutes

WHAT YOU NEED

1 Tbsp oil

1 onion, finely chopped

1 tsp crushed garlic

1 tsp grated fresh ginger

1–2 Tbsp your favourite Indian curry paste or 2 tsp favourite curry powder

1 cup red or yellow lentils or 1 x 400g can, drained and rinsed

1 x 400ml can coconut milk

1 cup good-quality vegetable stock

4 Tbsp ground almonds (optional)

1 x 400g can chickpeas

100g fresh baby spinach

salt and pepper to taste

To serve

easy cauliflower rice (page 13) or simple coconut basmati rice (cook 1 cup basmati rice with 1 x 400ml can coconut milk and ½ cup water, adding a little extra water along the way if necessary) or simple short-grain brown rice

naan bread or rotis

roughly torn fresh coriander to garnish

WHAT TO DO

1.   Add the oil to a medium-sized heavy-based saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 5–8 minutes, or until softened but not crisp or golden.

2.   Add the garlic, ginger and spice paste and cook for another 2–3 minutes.

3.   Rinse the lentils and add them to the saucepan along with the coconut milk and stock. Stir, bring to a bubble, stir in the ground almonds (if using) and then leave to simmer, covered, for 20 minutes or until creamy and the lentils are cooked. Add water if necessary as you go along. (If you are using canned lentils, leave them out and just allow the sauce to simmer at this stage, then add them with the chickpeas.)

4.   Remove from the heat, stir in the drained chickpeas and baby spinach, adjust seasoning and serve in warmed bowls with the rice and/or bread and a sprinkling of fresh coriander.

NOTES Make your own easy flatbreads (page 13) to serve on the side. Bulk this dish up by adding in roasted pumpkin, butternut or sweet potatoes. I find that this dahl tastes even better the next day when all the flavours have really had a chance to mellow and marry.