Name: Red Lentil Dal (Instant Pot)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 3 People
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Red lentils; 1 Tbsp Oil; 1/2 tsp Cumin seeds (jeera); 1/2 tsp Mustard seeds (rai); 1/8 tsp Asafoetida (hing); 1/4 tsp Turmeric (haldi); 1/4 tsp Red chili powder (lal mirch); 1 tsp Salt; 2 Dried whole red chilies; 1 Tbsp Thinly sliced ginger (adrak); 1/2 cup Finely chopped tomatoes; 2 cups Water

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow each step to make the recipe successfully.

Prepare Instant Pot for Sautéing
Take out the cover of the Instant Pot and put it on mode.
Temper Spices
Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the Instant Pot. Once the oil is moderately hot, add 1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds, 1/2 teaspoon of mustard seeds, and 1/8 teaspoon of asafoetida (hing). Stir until the seeds start crackling.
Add Chilies and Ginger
Add 2 dried whole red chilies and 1 tablespoon of thinly sliced ginger. Stir and roast for about .
Remove Garnishes
Carefully take out the roasted ginger and red chilies from the pot. These will be used later for garnishing the dal.
Cook Tomatoes and Spices
Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric (haldi), and 1/4 teaspoon of red chili powder. Cook the tomatoes until they are soft and tender.
Add Lentils and Water
Add 1/2 cup of washed and drained red lentils to the pot and stir. Then, add 2 cups of water.
Pressure Cook the Dal
Close the lid of the Instant Pot. Turn off the mode by pressing 'Cancel'. Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook for . Wait until the cooking cycle is complete.
Serve the Dal
Once the pressure cooking is done, open the Instant Pot lid. Stir the dal well. The dal should have a good texture for serving with rice or roti. Serve hot, garnished with the previously roasted ginger and red chilies.

Before You Cook

Helpful details before you start

Spice LevelFiery

Mustard · Chili powder · Red chili · Ginger · Chili

Ingredient SubstitutionsMissing something? View suitable alternatives.

View 1 swap

No Asafoetida (hing)?
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder + 1/4 tsp onion powder

Helpful Tips

Small details that can improve the final result.

Cooking tipAdjust Water Quantity Based on Desired Consistency
Add more water if serving as a soup.
Flavour tipGarnish with Sliced Ginger and
Garnish with sliced ginger and red chilies for enhanced flavor and presentation.

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Red Lentil Dal (Instant Pot)

25 mins

Indian · North Indian

10 min

15 min

3 People

~250 kcal

Main Ingredients

Prepare Instant Pot for Sautéing

Temper Spices

Add Chilies and Ginger

Remove Garnishes

Cook Tomatoes and Spices

Add Lentils and Water

Pressure Cook the Dal

Serve the Dal

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