Moong Dal Palak Bowl

Moong Dal Palak Bowl is a vegetarian Indian recipe designed for an everyday home kitchen. It is written for patients and families who want food that is practical, comforting and supportive of heart health.

Why this dish can fit a heart-friendly plan

The dal, vegetables and herbs provide fibre and potassium while using very little oil. Fibre supports healthy cholesterol levels and helps a filling meal feel satisfying. Keep portions comfortable, use fresh ingredients and adjust the recipe to your doctor’s advice, especially if you have kidney disease, diabetes or a prescribed fluid or salt limit.

Ingredients

1 cup split moong dal, 2 cups chopped spinach, tomato, garlic, cumin, turmeric, 1 tsp oil and lemon. Use seasonal produce when possible. For a lower-salt version, choose unsalted ingredients and let lemon, coriander, ginger, garlic, cumin or chilli provide most of the flavour.

Easy preparation

Rinse the grains or pulses until the water runs clear. Soak them if the package suggests it. Heat the oil in a heavy pan, add the whole spices, then add onion, ginger and garlic. Add the main ingredients, water and turmeric, cover and cook until tender. Finish with lemon and coriander. Cook until the vegetables are tender and the grain, pulse or paneer is heated through. Taste at the end, then add only the smallest amount of salt needed.

Serving and practical tips

Serve with a generous portion of vegetables and a modest portion of grain or roti. Avoid serving this recipe with fried papad, salty pickle or packaged namkeen on the same plate. Leftovers should be cooled promptly, refrigerated and reheated thoroughly the next day.

Dr. Dhiren Shah’s patient note

Healthy food supports recovery, but it does not replace prescribed cardiac treatment. Patients preparing for or recovering from surgery should ask Dr. Dhiren Shah’s team about protein needs, blood sugar, medicines and any restrictions specific to their reports. Request a personalised appointment.