With the end of summer and the advent of the monsoons, we start spotting Basale or malabar spinach in the market. Mom’s dal-based coconut curry is my favourite preparation.

Basale Kodhel
Coconut and Dal curry prepared with Malabar Spinach
Equipment
- 1 Pressure Cooker
- 1 Blender
Ingredients
- 1 bunch Malabar Spinach / Basale leaves
- 1 cup Malabar Spinach / Basale stems
- 1 cup Toor Dal
Masala Paste
- 1 cup Grated Coconut
- 6-8 nos. Byadagi Chilies
- 1 marble size Tamarind
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
Tadka / Nesal
- 6- 8 nos. Garlic Pods
- 1 tsp Mustard Seeds (Rai, Saasime)
- 1 Onion
Instructions
- Pressure Cook Dal along with the Malabar Spinach stems for 3 whistles. You can cook the stems separately too if very tender.
- Grind the masala paste ingredients to a smooth paste
- Heat some coconut oil. Add in the mustard seeds and let it splutter.
- Now add in the garlic and onion and let it soften.
- Stir in the masala paste, cooked dal and boiled stems of the Malabar Spinach. Add a little water and salt. Let it come to a boil.
- Lastly put in the all the leaves and let it cook for 2 minutes before turning off the flame
Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @parinita.s on Instagram and hashtag it #PulimunchiKitchen.