Menstrual phase

Lentil & spinach dal with lemon

30 min· Serves 4

Why now: Lentils and spinach are iron-rich; the squeeze of lemon at the end helps your body actually absorb it.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
  • 2 big handfuls spinach
  • 1 onion, 2 garlic cloves, thumb of ginger
  • 1 tin chopped tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp curry powder or garam masala
  • 1 lemon
  • Olive oil, salt

Method

  1. 1Soften the chopped onion, garlic and ginger in a little oil. Stir in the spices for a minute.
  2. 2Add lentils, tomatoes and about 2 cups water. Simmer 20 minutes until soft and thick.
  3. 3Stir through the spinach until wilted. Season well.
  4. 4Squeeze over plenty of lemon just before serving — this is the bit that helps iron absorption.