Spinach Dal – Instant Pot Recipe
Recipe Summary
- This recipe guides you through making a delicious and healthy Spinach Dal in an Instant Pot. Toor dal is pressure cooked with tomatoes and spices, then fresh spinach is added and simmered, and finally, a flavorful tempering is poured over for a rich finish. It's a comforting and nutritious dish perfect with rice or roti.
All Ingredients - Main Ingredients
- Toor Dal / Split Pigeon Peas 1 cup (washed and rinsed)
- Tomato 1/2 cup
- Garlic (peeled) 3 cloves
- Turmeric Powder 1/2 tsp
- Coriander Powder 1 tsp
- Water 2.5 cups
- Salt 1/2 tsp (as required)
- Spinach / Palak (finely chopped) 2 cups
All Ingredients - For Tempering
- Oil 1 to 2 tbsp
- Mustard Seeds 1/2 tsp
- Cumin 1/2 tsp
- Urad Dal 1/2 tsp
- Dry Red Chili 2
- Hing / Asafoetida Pinch
Tools You'll Need
- Pressure cooker
- Pan
Don't have an ingredient? Try these swaps
No Garlic (fresh)?
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (per clove)
- 1/2 tsp garlic granules (per clove)
No Asafoetida (hing)?
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder + 1/4 tsp onion powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Combine Dal and Spices
Add 1 cup of washed and rinsed toor dal, 1/2 cup chopped tomato, 3 peeled garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, and 2.5 cups of water to the Instant Pot. Mix all ingredients well.
Step 2: Pressure Cook the Dal
Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Pressure cook on high for . After cooking, allow for a natural pressure release for , then perform a quick pressure release to vent any remaining steam.
Step 3: Smash the Dal
Once the pressure is released and the lid is open, use a potato masher to gently smash the dal and tomatoes until desired consistency is reached.
Step 4: Add Spinach and Salt
Add 1/2 tsp of salt (or as required) and 2 cups of finely chopped spinach to the dal. Set the Instant Pot to 'Saute' mode on high. Mix well to combine the spinach with the dal.
Step 5: Boil the Dal
Allow the dal to boil for , stirring occasionally. If the dal is too thick, you can add 1/4 cup of water to adjust the consistency.
Step 6: Prepare the Tempering
In a separate small pan, heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil over medium to low heat. Add 1/2 tsp mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then add 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp urad dal, 2 dry red chilies, and a pinch of hing (asafoetida). Roast for a few seconds until the spices are fragrant and the urad dal turns light golden brown.
Step 7: Combine Tempering with Dal
Carefully pour the prepared tempering over the spinach dal in the Instant Pot. Mix well to incorporate the tempering flavors throughout the dal.
Pro Tips
• Adjust the amount of water to achieve your desired dal consistency.
• Serve hot with steamed rice, roti, or naan.
• For extra flavor, you can add a tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste along with the tomatoes.
Recipe Variations
• Substitute toor dal with masoor dal (red lentils) for a quicker cooking time.
• Add other finely chopped vegetables like carrots or bottle gourd along with the dal for added nutrition.
• A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten the flavors.
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