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.

Why You’ll Love It
- Balanced Nutrition: Lentils are a nutritional powerhouse, offering plant-based protein, fiber, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly healthy.
- Authentic Indian Flavors: The combination of curry powder, garam masala, turmeric, and cumin creates a symphony of flavors that’s rich, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. If you’re a fan of Indian food, you’ll appreciate the authenticity and depth of flavor in this dish.
- Quick and Convenient: Instant Pot Dal is a lifesaver on busy days. With the magic of the Instant Pot, you can have a flavorful meal on the table in a fraction of the time it takes traditionally.
Helpful Tips
- 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.
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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.
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Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 325kcal
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon ghee or cooking oil
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne more if you like your Indian food spicy
- 1 1/2 cups dried brown or red lentils
- 4 cups water, vegetable broth, or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup 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.
Nutrition
Calories: 325kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 1530mg | Potassium: 796mg | Fiber: 23g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 722IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 7mg

Angela’s passion for discovering and experimenting with new flavors and recipes is at the heart of her culinary philosophy. Residing in a quaint Oregon town, she finds joy and inspiration in her kitchen. Angela has a lot of expertise in cooking and she eagerly shares her discoveries and unique creations with you.
