Chana dal with spinach

Meredith's recipe:

2 Tbsp oil or ghee

1 medium onion

2 cloves garlic

2 tsp grated ginger (2 cubes)

2 tsp turmeric

2 tsp ground coriander

1/2 tsp ground cardamom 

1/2 tsp cumin

pinch cayenne

1 tsp curry powder or garam masala

2 curry leaves

1 bay leaf

1 Tbsp tomato paste

1 1/2 cups chana dal, split and rinsed

3 cups of water + 1 cup of broth

1 pound fresh spinach, chopped, or frozen

Chop the onion and saute in a a couple tablespoons oil or ghee for around 5-8 minutes, until starting to brown.

Add the turmeric, coriander, cardamom, cayenne and curry powder and saute for 30 seconds. Add the garlic and ginger and saute for another 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the tomato paste and cook for another 30 seconds. 

Add a splash of water to slow the cooking. Add the chopped spinach and saute for a few minutes until all the spinach is wilted. 

Add the 4 cups of liquid, the bay leaves, and the curry leaves, and bring to a boil. Add the chana dal and cook for about 45-60 minutes, until dal is softened.