Instant Pot lentil recipes collection.
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Indian Lentil Recipes
Lentils or dal is a staple in an Indian household and is made almost every day. The way dal is made varies from state to state in India. Not just that, there are different versions of dal in different regions of a state. Let us not forget that every household has its own favorite version too.
The most common varieties of lentils used are moong dal (petite yellow lentils), toor dal or arhar dal (split pigeon pea), masoor dal (red lentils), urad dal (split and skinned black gram), and chana dal (split Bengal gram). With so many varieties of dal and variations of recipes, there is a plethora of recipes to try.
Lentils are a great source of plant-based protein, rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They have a low glycemic index which helps keep you full for longer. They are rich in iron, folates, vitamins, and minerals.
Here is my collection of Indian lentil recipes made in an Instant Pot. This must-try recipe collection includes recipes for not only dal, but also soups, khichdi, and desserts!
Also, click here to check these round-ups:
1. Paneer recipe collection.
2. Indian soup recipes.
FAQs
No. Lentils do not need to be soaked before pressure cooking. However, wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt and pick any stones that they may have.
It depends on the type of lentil. For example, yellow lentils (moong dal) needs 5 minutes whereas pigeon pea lentil (toor dal) needs 8 minutes. Check individual recipes for cooking times.
As a general guide, you can use the lentil to water ratio of 1:3. Check individual recipes for more details.
Vegan Dal Recipes
Dal (or dhal) is a staple in every Indian household and is made almost every single day. There are so many varieties of dal and so many variations in the way they are prepared. Plain steamed rice served with dal and vegetables is so comforting and delicious.
These recipes are a great source of plant-based protein and are suitable for a vegan diet. From the popular dal fry to the lesser-known cabbage dal, find some unique recipes here. They are a great way of sneaking in vegetables and greens for picky eaters.
Instant Pot Dal fry
Dal fry is a delicious and comforting lentils dish made with toor dal (yellow split pigeon pea). Also called arhar ki dal, making it in an Instant Pot is a breeze and it is ready in less than 30 minutes.
Get the recipe: Dal fry in Instant Pot.
Instant Pot Cabbage Dal
Cabbage dal is a wholesome and healthy dal made with green cabbage. This yellow dal is made using toor dal (arhar dal or pigeon pea). When made in an Instant Pot, this dal is ready in 20 minutes (with less than 5 minutes of hands-on time).
Get the recipe: Cabbage dal.
Ridge Gourd Dal
Easy, healthful, and delicious dal made with ridge gourd and moong dal (petite yellow lentils). When made in an Instant Pot, this vegan and gluten-free dahl is ready in less than 20 minutes, with just 5 minutes of hands-on time. It pairs well with steamed rice and any curry of your choice.
Get the recipe: Ridge Gourd Moong dal.
Bottle Gourd Dal / Bengali Lau Dal
Bengali-style lau dal made with bottle gourd is so full of flavors and easy to make. Made with petite yellow lentils or moong dal, this lauki dal is absolute comfort food. Some basic spices and the Instant Pot are all you need to make this healthy dhal in less than 20 minutes (with just 5 minutes of active cooking).
Get the recipe: Calabash dal.
Methi Dal (Fenugreek Leaves Dal)
Methi dal is a hearty, wholesome, and healthy dal made with methi leaves (fenugreek leaves). This yellow dal is made using toor dal (arhar dal or pigeon pea). Made in an Instant Pot, this one-pot dal is a perfect way to eat greens. This vegan dhal can be paired with either steamed rice or roti/chapati.
Get the recipe: Methi dal.
Whole Masoor Dal (Sabut Masoor Dal)
Discover the flavors and simplicity of whole masoor dal cooked effortlessly in an Instant Pot. Packed with plant-based protein, sabut masoor dal can be prepared in just 30 minutes, catering to busy schedules without compromising on flavor. This vegan, gluten-free, and paleo-friendly dish is a wholesome option that will leave you satisfied and content.
Get the recipe: Sabut masoor dal.
Green moong dal
Green moong dal curry is wholesome, hearty, rich in flavor, and protein-packed. This mung bean curry is a staple with many regional variations across India, each with its own unique twist. My recipe here is the Bengali version called tarka dal. When made in an Instant Pot, this Dhaba-style easy green gram dal is ready in less than 30 minutes (with only 10 minutes of hands-on time), making it a perfect meal for busy weeknights.
Get the recipe: Green moong dal.
Bottle Gourd Curry / Lauki Chana Dal Sabzi
This lauki chana dal sabzi is a must-try if you are looking for a delicious, healthy vegan curry that is easy to prepare and nutritious. With the perfect balance of flavors and the wholesome goodness of bottle gourd (calabash) and chana dal (split chickpeas), this dish is an excellent source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber. Made in the Instant Pot, it is a quick and convenient meal perfect for meal prep and is freezer-friendly.
Get the recipe: Calabash curry.
Soup Recipes
These lentil soup recipes are healthy, delicious, and easy to make. These protein-rich soups are a great way to stay warm on cold nights and come together quickly. Simple ingredients and spices are used in these soups, and they are perfect for the entire family.
Instant Pot Mulligatawny Soup
Mulligatawny soup, a creamy and rich curried soup with origins in South Indian cuisine, has been adapted to appeal to Western tastes. With the help of an Instant Pot, this creamy and flavorful soup can be ready in just 20 minutes with minimal effort.
Get the recipe: Mulligatawny Soup.
Millet Soup
Millet soup is a healthy, nutritious, and delicious soup made with foxtail millet. Made in an Instant Pot, this soup is ready in 30 minutes (with only 10 minutes of hands-on time). This gluten-free one-pot meal can be served as a wholesome dinner and are perfect for cold nights. It also makes a great savory breakfast the next morning, keeping you full longer.
Get the recipe: Millet soup.
Khichdi Recipes
Khichdi or khichri is an Indian-style risotto made using lentils and grains (mostly rice). This one-pot meal is made with vegetables and spices. It is very comforting and filling and can be served for lunch, dinner, and breakfast. The rice in the khichdi is often replaced with other grains like millets.
Khichdi is also popularly called the National dish of India, and every state has its own variation. Here are some recipes of khichdi made with petite yellow lentils along with either rice, millet, or cracked wheat.
Avurvedic Kitchari
Kitchari or khichdi is a hearty and nourishing dish that is rich in nutrients and easy to prepare. Made with a blend of rice, lentils, and healing spices, this gluten-free meal can be cooked in 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights. Kitcharee is not only delicious but also easy to digest and provides a complete protein source. It is perfect for those on a detox or cleansing diet.
Get the recipe: Kitchari in Instant Pot.
Ven Pongal (Khara Pongal)
Ven Pongal or khara pongal is a classic South Indian dish with rice and moong dal (petite yellow lentils). This one-pot dish can be served for breakfast or lunch/dinner. It has a porridge-like consistency and is mildly spiced.
Get the recipe: Instant Pot Pongal.
Dalia Khichdi
Dalia khichdi is a nourishing one-pot meal that combines the goodness of broken wheat, lentils, and aromatic spices. With the convenience of the Instant Pot, this recipe ensures a perfectly cooked and wholesome dish in no time. This khichdi has a creamy and comforting texture from the perfectly cooked dalia and lentils and depth and flavor from adding vegetables and spices. Instant Pot Dalia Khichdi can be enjoyed as a nutritious breakfast, lunch, or dinner option.
Get the recipe: Dalia khichdi.
Millet Khichdi
Millet khichdi is a healthy and flavorful twist on the classic Indian khichdi, made with lentils and millets. Using an Instant Pot makes this dish a breeze to prepare, and it's perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This nourishing one-pot meal is loaded with vegetables of your choice, making it a wholesome and balanced option that's perfect for the whole family.
Get the recipe: Millet Khichdi.
Desserts with Dal
Here are some lentil-based desserts that are unique and very easy to make. Using your Instant Pot to create these authentic-tasting desserts saves a lot of time and energy. Each recipe is tried, tested, and includes all the tips you need to make them. They are perfect for festivals, celebrations, and gatherings.
Moong Dal Halwa
Moong dal halwa is a decadent dessert made with split mung bean (or petite yellow lentils), sugar, and ghee. Rich and warm halwa with ghee oozing from the sides and topped with nuts is perfect for celebrations and festivals like Diwali.
Get the recipe: Moong dal halwa.
Moong Dal Payasam
Moong dal payasam or kheer is an easy and delicious South Indian sweet dish made with petite yellow lentils. This traditional dish is made with coconut milk and sweetened using jaggery.
Get the recipe: Moong Dal Kheer.
Chana Dal Payasam
Easy, delicious, and healthy chana dal payasam is made using Bengal gram, rice, and jaggery. This refined sugar-free sweet is perfect for festivals and celebrations. Making it in the Instant Pot saves time and gives perfect taste and texture.
Get the recipe: Chana Dal Payasam.
Sweet Pongal
Sweet Pongal is a refined-sugar-free dessert made using rice, moong dal, and jaggery as the main ingredients. This South Indian dish is integral to festivals like Makara Sankranti and Navratri. Make authentic temple-style sakkarai Pongal in the Instant Pot with this easy recipe.
Get the recipe: Sweet Pongal.
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