Name: Red Lentil Dal (Instant Pot) – Manjula's Kitchen
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 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 Sliced ginger (julienned); 1/2 cup Chopped tomato (into small pieces); 2 cups Water

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow each step to make the recipe successfully.

Prepare the Instant Pot
Open the Instant Pot and set it to '' mode.
Temper the 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 cracking.
Add Chilies and Ginger
Add 2 dried whole red chilies and 1 tablespoon of thinly sliced ginger. Stir and roast for about . Carefully remove the roasted ginger and red chilies from the pot; these will be used for garnishing later.
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 (lal mirch) to the pot. Cook the tomatoes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and tender and the oil starts to separate.
Add Lentils and Water
Add 1/2 cup of washed and drained red lentils to the tomato mixture. Stir well to combine. Pour in about 2 cups of water.
Pressure Cook the Dal
Close the Instant Pot lid and ensure the release valve is set to the 'Sealing' position. Cancel the '' mode. Set the Instant Pot to 'Pressure Cook' (or 'Manual') on high pressure for . Allow for natural pressure release once cooking is complete.
Serve
Once the pressure has naturally released, open the lid. Stir the dal well. Serve hot, garnished with the reserved 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.

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

Helpful Tips

Small details that can improve the final result.

TipServe with Rice
Roti, and Aloo Methi for a complete meal.
Cooking tipCan Be Served as a Comforting Lentil Soup
Add more water if a thinner consistency is desired.
Flavour tipGarnish with Roasted Ginger and
Garnish with roasted ginger and red chilies for added flavor and texture.

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Red Lentil Dal (Instant Pot) – Manjula's Kitchen

30 mins

Indian · North Indian

10 min

20 min

3 People

~153 kcal

Main Ingredients

Prepare the Instant Pot

Temper the Spices

Add Chilies and Ginger

Cook Tomatoes and Spices

Add Lentils and Water

Pressure Cook the Dal

Serve

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