Instant pot whole masoor dal step-by-step recipe with video and photos.
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About this recipe
Whole masoor dal (brown lentils) is a delicious and comforting dal that is very easy to make and is ready in 30 minutes (with only 15 minutes of hands-on time). Made in an Instant Pot, this wholesome dal is vegan, gluten-free, and paleo diet-friendly. This one-pot meal is a very good source of plant-based protein.
Also called saboot masoor dal, this instant pot dhal pairs very well with both rice and roti/naan. This dal can also be served with millet rice, red rice, or quinoa too.
Whole masoor dal or brown lentils are unskinned red lentils, which are more popular. Brown lentils are a rich source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are low in calories, have a low glycemic index, and are rich in iron. They are a great source of protein for vegetarians and vegans.
Read on for ingredients, tips, and FAQs to make this Instant Pot masoor dal. For a variation, try the green mung bean curry recipe.
Ingredients
Whole masoor dal: Also called brown lentils, this is the main ingredient for this dish.
Onions: Red or pink onions work well for this dish. You can also use brown onions.
Ginger, garlic, and chili: Lots of ginger and garlic are added. Adjust chili as per your preference.
Tomatoes: Use ripe and juicy tomatoes.
Spices: The powdered spices I use are turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. The whole spice I use is cumin seeds.
Other ingredients: I also use Kasoori methi, coriander leaves, and lemon/lime juice.
Variations
You can skip onions and garlic to make a no-onion, no-garlic version of this dal. For that, temper cumin seeds and add ginger and chili. Follow the rest of this recipe.
This dish can be made without tomatoes too. Just add powdered spices and water, and cook for 1-2 minutes.
You can add 1-2 tablespoons of cream or thick coconut milk for richness.
Check out this vegan curry recipe to make delicious Thai red curry.
Step-by-step instructions
Set the Instant Pot to saute mode and add oil. Add cumin seeds and saute for a few seconds. Add onion and fry for 2 minutes (steps 1,2).
Add ginger, garlic, and green chili. Saute for one more minute (step 3).
Add tomato, turmeric powder, chili powder, coriander powder, and salt (steps 4,5).
Add ¼ cup of water. Cover and let the tomatoes cook for 2 minutes (step 6).
Add the washed brown lentils and 6 cups of water. Mix well (steps 7,8).
Close the lid of the Instant Pot and pressure cook for 20 minutes. Do a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then do a quick release (step 9).
Lightly mash some dal using a wooden spoon (step 10).
Add garam masala, coriander leaves (cilantro), Kasuri methi, and lemon juice (steps 11,12).
Useful tips
I use 6 cups of water for 2 cups of brown lentils. This gives me a slightly thick dal. Adjust the consistency as per your liking.
Lightly mash some of the cooked dal. This will make the final dish creamy and buttery.
You can make this dal on the stovetop. Use a stovetop pressure cooker and pressure cook for three whistles. You can cook the dal in a kadhai without a pressure cooker. Add more water and simmer on medium heat for 30-40 minutes.
Adjust the amount of chili as per your preference.
Click here for my collection of Instant Pot Indian curries. Click here to see how to make easy chickpea spinach curry.
Click here to browse through my collection of Instant Pot lentil recipes.
FAQs
This dal can be served with both rice and roti/naan. You can also pair it with pulao or jeera rice.
Whole masoor dal can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can also freeze this dal for 3-4 months. To reheat, transfer the dal to a saucepan, add little water and simmer. The dal tends to dry out when it is cold so it is best to simmer with a little water.
Brown lentils are considered very good if you are watching your weight. It is very high in fiber and has a low glycemic index, keeping you full for longer.
You can skip onions and garlic in this dish. For instructions, see the variations section above.
Click here for more easy mains recipes.
Bonus
This dish is:
- easy to make a one-pot dish
- healthy, flavourful, and delicious
- made using just a handful of ingredients
- vegan and gluten-free
- perfect for weeknight dinner
Recipe card
Instant Pot Whole Masoor Dal (Brown Lentils Curry)
Ingredients
- 2 cup whole masoor dal (brown lentils)
- 2 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 1 inch ginger grated
- 2 cloves garlic grated
- 1 green chilli finely chopped
- 1 large tomato finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon chilli powder
- Salt to taste
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- 1 tablespoon Kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoon coriander leaves
Instructions
- Wash the whole masoor dal thoroughly in water. Drain the water and set it aside
- Set the Instant Pot to saute mode and add oil
- Add cumin seeds and saute for few seconds
- Once the cumin splutters, add onion and fry for 2 minutes
- Add ginger, garlic, and green chilli. Saute for one more minute
- Add tomato, turmeric powder, chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well
- Add ¼ cup water. Cover and let the tomatoes cook for 2 minutes
- Add the washed brown lentils
- Add 6 cups water and mix well
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot and pressure cook for 20 minutes
- Do a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then do a quick release
- Add garam masala, coriander leaves, Kasuri methi, and lemon juice. Mix well
- Serve hot with rice or roti
Kayla DiMaggio says
yum! I really love Indian food and lentils are some of my favorites. This masoor dal was so delicious and warming.
Maiko says
I love dal curries and this recipe looks easy to make and super delicious! Definitely making this curry this weekend. Thank you!
Anaiah says
I love this dal! So flavorful and comforting. It's way better than I've ever made before. So glad I found your recipe!
Elizabeth Swoish says
So delicious and easy to make as a newbie to Indian food!
Emily Flint says
I just love finding new and unique recipes for my Instant Pot! I will be making this over the weekend since it's going to be cold. Thank you!
Sue says
I love that this can be made in 30 minutes. Can't wait to give it a try!
Addie says
Loved the flavors in this dish!
Gina Abernathy says
A big bowl of comfort food! Delicious!
Stacy Boswell says
Such a delicious and flavorful 30-minute meal! I love that it is quick, easy, and healthy but also so comforting and filling.
Tavo says
Wow this daal looks astonishing! I love cooking with lentils and Indian spices! I'll sure give this one a try over the weekend!
Kayla DiMaggio says
These instant pot brow lentils are so delicious! I love how easy they are to make!
Chris says
This meal was so good! I made it today and everyone loved it! It was so creamy, smooth, and very fragrant! I will make this again, soon! Thank you!
Emily says
This dal is so comforting and delicious! I love this one-pot meal, we found it to be hearty and filling!
NATALIA says
This is a great lentils recipe, really tasty! I love it, looks very easy and filling. Definitely going to give this a go, thank you so much for sharing!
Michelle says
Making dal in the instant pot was so easy! This is the perfect weeknight dinner and great to make a big batch of.