Instant Pot Dal

This Instant Pot Dal doesn't take a long time to make when you use the Instant Pot. You'll have a hearty and wholesome Indian dish, made with lentils and plenty of spices, ready in no time.

Note: Made in a 6-qt Instant Pot

5 from 26 votes

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Pressurize Time 15

Total Time 35

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Indian

Servings Servings

Calories 297 kcal

Equipment

Instant Pot

Ingredients

1 tablespoon (15 ml) ghee or cooking oil
1 small onion chopped
1 tablespoon (7 g) fresh grated ginger
2 cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoon (6 g) curry powder
1 teaspoon (2.5 g) garam masala
1 teaspoon (2 g) ground turmeric
1 teaspoon (2 g) ground cumin
1 teaspoon (6 g) salt
1/2 teaspoon (1 g) cayenne more if you like your indian food spicy
1 1/2 cups (270 g) dried brown or red lentils
4 cups (946 ml) water vegetable broth or chicken broth
1/4 cup (4 g) fresh cilantro for garnish
Basmati rice for serving

Instructions

Heat the Instant Pot on saute mode. Add the ghee. Once hot, put the onion in the pot and saute until softened, about 3 minutes. Add in the ginger and garlic and saute for 30 seconds.
Turn off saute mode.
Add in the curry powder, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, salt and cayenne. Then add the broth and lentils. Stir to combine. Remove any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
Secure the lid and set the vent to sealing (if necessary for your model).
Set to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. When the time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally until the pin drops, about 10 minutes. Remove the lid and stir.
Serve the dal with basmati rice and cilantro for garnish.

Notes

Be sure to rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water. This helps remove any excess starch and prevents excessive foaming during cooking.

If you're uncertain about the spiciness, start with a smaller amount of cayenne and taste test. You can always add more if you prefer it spicier.

If you have a larger Instant Pot, feel free to double the recipe to serve a crowd or have delicious leftovers for the next day. Just make sure not to exceed the maximum fill line of your Instant Pot.

Nutrition

Calories: 297kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 18gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 602mgPotassium: 753mgFiber: 22gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 220IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 68mgIron: 6mg

Keyword Lentils, Spices