Ready in

26 mins

Cuisine

Indian · South Indian

Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

11 min

Serving

4 People

Difficulty

Easy

Calories / Serving

~350 kcal

Spicy Level

Recipe by Vegetarian Home Style Cooking on YouTube
Adjust Servings
Measurements
Tap an ingredient to mark it ready0 of 22 ready
All Ingredients

Instant Pot Spinach Dal

All Ingredients

Instant Cabbage Pickle

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow each step to make the recipe successfully.

  1. Prepare Dal Ingredients

    Wash 1/2 cup of red lentils (tur dal or yellow moong dal) four to five times after soaking them overnight or for at least one hour. Transfer the washed lentils to the inner pot of the Instant Pot.

  2. Add Dal Ingredients to Instant Pot

    Add enough water to cover the lentils (approximately 1.5-2 cups). Add 1 cup of cherry tomatoes (or one large plum tomato), 2-3 cloves of garlic, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 tablespoon curry powder, and salt to taste. Do not mix the ingredients, as the lentils need to cook properly.

  3. Add Spinach

    Gently place a small box of baby spinach (approximately 5 oz or 150g) on top of the other ingredients in the Instant Pot. Again, do not mix.

  4. Cook Dal in Instant Pot

    Close the Instant Pot lid and set the vent to the sealing position. Select the 'Pressure Cook' or 'Manual' setting on high pressure for .

  5. Release Pressure and Mix Dal

    Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for Natural Pressure Release (NPR) until the silver button drops. Open the lid and mix all the ingredients thoroughly until the dal is well combined.

  6. Prepare Dal Tempering

    In a microwave-safe bowl, add 1 tablespoon of oil, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds, and 1/2 teaspoon of mustard seeds. Microwave for until the seeds splutter.

  7. Add Tempering to Dal

    Carefully pour the prepared into the cooked dal and mix well. Optionally, squeeze fresh lime or lemon juice into the dal before serving.

  8. Prepare Pickle Vegetables

    Peel and deseed 1 medium yellow cucumber, then chop it into small pieces as shown in the video. Chop 1/4 head of cabbage into small pieces.

  9. Prepare Pickle Tempering

    In a microwave-safe bowl, add 1 tablespoon of oil, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds, and 1/2 teaspoon of mustard seeds. Microwave for until the seeds splutter.

  10. Add Pickle Spices

    To the microwaved , add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 2-3 cloves of crushed garlic, 1 to 2 tablespoons of curry powder, and salt to taste. Mix well.

  11. Combine Pickle Ingredients

    Add the chopped cabbage and yellow cucumber to the bowl with the and spices. Mix thoroughly to ensure all vegetables are coated.

  12. Serve Pickle

    The instant cabbage pickle is ready to be served. If using salad cucumber instead of yellow cucumber, squeeze some lime or lemon juice for added tanginess.

Before You Cook

Helpful details before you start
Ingredient SubstitutionsMissing something? View suitable alternatives.
View 2 swaps
  • No Garlic (fresh)?

    • 1/4 tsp garlic powder (per clove)
    • 1/2 tsp garlic granules (per clove)
  • No Lemon juice?

    • Lime juice (1:1)
    • 1/2 the amount white vinegar — In dressings, savory dishes.

Plan Ahead

Complete this step earlier to save time later.

  • Prepare Dal IngredientsOvernight

    Wash 1/2 cup of red lentils (tur dal or yellow moong dal) four to five times after soaking them overnight or for at least one hour. Transfer the washed lentils to the inner pot of the Instant Pot.

    View Step 1

Variations

Simple ways to adapt this recipe.

  • For Dal

    Use red lentils (masoor dal), tur dal (split pigeon peas), or yellow moong dal.

  • For DalIngredient swap

    Use roma tomatoes or one large plum tomato instead of cherry tomatoes.

  • For Cabbage PickleIngredient swap

    Use salad cucumber instead of yellow cucumber.

Helpful Tips

Small details that can improve the final result.

  • PreparationFor Dal

    No need to sauté; just add all ingredients to the Instant Pot for a quick and easy preparation.

  • TipFor Cabbage Pickle

    This pickle stays good for more than two weeks when stored properly.

  • TipFor Cabbage Pickle

    You can control the amount of salt and spices according to your preference.

  • Ingredient noteFor Cabbage Pickle

    If using salad cucumber instead of yellow cucumber, squeeze some fresh lime or lemon juice for added tanginess.

Was this recipe helpful?

Comments (0)

Sign in to leave a comment on this recipe.

Loading comments...