Simple Masoor Dal Recipe
This Simple Masoor Dal recipe features red lentils cooked to creamy perfection with aromatic spices and a flavorful garlic-cumin tadka, made effortlessly in an Instant Pot. It’s a wholesome, comforting Indian lentil dish that pairs perfectly with rice or rotis for a nutritious meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Dal and Base
- 1 cup red lentil dhuli masoor dal, dry (approx. 185 grams)
- ½ inch ginger, grated
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided (adjust to taste)
- 3 & ½ cups water, divided
Tadka (Tempering)
- 1 & ½ tablespoons ghee (or oil)
- ¾ teaspoon cumin seeds
- 3–4 large garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 whole dried red chilies, broken
- 1 medium red onion, chopped
- 5–6 curry leaves
- ½ teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped (or to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dal: To the steel pot of your Instant Pot, add 1 cup of dry dhuli masoor dal (red lentils), grated ½ inch ginger, chopped medium tomato, ½ teaspoon turmeric, ½ teaspoon salt, and 3 cups of water. Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing. Pressure cook on high for 5 minutes. Allow natural pressure release until the pin drops to ensure the dal is soft and fully cooked.
- Make the Tadka: While the dal cooks, heat 1 & ½ tablespoons ghee in a wide pan over medium heat. Once hot, add ¾ teaspoon cumin seeds and allow them to sizzle and pop. Add chopped garlic cloves and broken dried red chilies; sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic starts to change color.
- Sauté Onions and Spices: Add the chopped red onion, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, and curry leaves to the pan. Cook for approximately 3 minutes, stirring frequently until onions caramelize and turn a light golden brown.
- Add Chili Powder and Combine: Stir in ½ teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder and cook for 30 seconds to release its aroma. Add the pressure cooked dal into the pan and mix everything well. At this stage, add the remaining ½ cup water to adjust the dal’s consistency as desired.
- Simmer and Garnish: Let the combined dal and tadka simmer on low to medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes to meld the flavors. Finally, stir in 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro. Serve the dal hot with plain rice or rotis for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ghee with oil for a lighter version.
- Adjust salt and chili powder according to taste preferences.
- The dal can be tempered with additional spices like mustard seeds if desired.
- Ensure natural pressure release for tender dal texture.
- This dish pairs excellently with steamed basmati rice or Indian flatbreads like roti or chapati.
Keywords: Masoor Dal, Red Lentil Curry, Instant Pot Dal, Indian Lentil Recipe, Vegetarian Dal
Find it online: https://nataliereeve.com/simple-masoor-dal-recipe/
