Wash dal and add turmeric, green chili, chili powder and tamarind to the pressure cooker. If you like you can also add tomato which adds a very nice flavor to the dal.
Add two cups of water to the cooker and keep aside.
Wash and chop the spinach and add it to the cooker.
Place the lid and cook for 3 whistles. When pressure goes off, remove the lid.
Add salt and mash the dal to smooth.
For Tempering
Take a frying pan, add tbsp oil.
Add mustard and cumin seeds when splutters, add red chilies, and a pinch of hing. Here I haven't used garlic, you can add crushed garlic along with red chilies.
Add the above tempered seeds to the dal and mix well.
Spinach dal or palakura pappu is ready to serve. Serve hot with rice or chapati.