Palak Daal

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup / 6.5 oz / 185 g white urid or urad daal, picked over and rinsed
• 6 cups / 1.5 liters water, plus more if necessary
• 1/2 pound spinach, washed and finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger, peeled and finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 2 medium green chile peppers, minced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon pure red chile powder
• a pinch of asafetida, optional
• more salt to taste
• juice of 1/2 a lemon
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped