Kafuli

Kafuli is a traditional dish from the Uttarakhand region of India, particularly popular among the Kumaoni people. It's a nutritious and flavorful preparation made primarily with spinach (or sometimes other greens like fenugreek leaves), tempered with garlic, cumin seeds, and red chilies. The dish often includes ingredients like lentils (usually black lentils or whole urad dal), and sometimes even local herbs or spices for added flavor. Kafuli is known for its vibrant green color and is typically served with rice or roti (Indian bread). It's not just tasty but also a great source of iron and other essential nutrients.

Here's a basic recipe for making Kafuli:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chopped spinach leaves (you can also use a combination of spinach and other greens like fenugreek leaves)
• 1/2 cup whole black lentils (urad dal), soaked overnight
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2-3 dried red chilies
• 1 onion, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon oil or ghee
• Water as needed

Instructions:

1. Rinse the soaked black lentils and pressure cook them with a pinch of salt until they are soft and cooked through. Set aside.

2. In a pan, heat the oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and dried red chilies. Allow them to sizzle for a few seconds.

3. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it turns golden brown and fragrant.

4. If using onions, add them to the pan and sauté until they turn translucent.

5. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they are soft and mushy.

6. Add the chopped spinach (and any other greens you're using) to the pan. Sprinkle turmeric powder over the greens and mix well.

7. Cook the greens until they wilt down and become soft. This may take about 5-7 minutes.

8. Once the greens are cooked, turn off the heat and let the mixture cool down slightly.

9. Transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until smooth. You can add a little water if needed to adjust the consistency.

10. Return the blended mixture to the pan. Add the cooked black lentils and mix well.

11. Add salt to taste and simmer the mixture for a few more minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.

12. Serve hot Kafuli with steamed rice or roti.

Feel free to adjust the spices and seasoning according to your taste preferences. Enjoy your homemade Kafuli!