One of the main ingredients in this dish is the nutrient-dense spinach. Spinach is rich in vitamin K, vitamin A, iron and antioxidants which support heart health, strengthen bones, aid digestion and promote eye health. Another ingredient used
in this dish is rice, which provides quick-releasing energy along with iron, zinc and magnesium which support the immune system and muscular health.
On Diwali holidays, as opposed to sharing traditional gift items, people in India visit relatives and friends to exchange and share food. Popular food to share during Diwali in Indian households are sweets. I have fond memories of my mother making many different sweets, days before Diwali, and she would hide them to save for the holidays. She also made savory items. My favorite were “dhoklas.”
The word dal (also spelled daal or dahl) comes from the Sanskrit phrase “to split” and refers to a soup-like preparation of split peas, beans or lentils, which are staples in Indian cuisine.
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