Are you ready to transform your ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary journey? This Brown Lentil Masoor Dal is not just a recipe; it's a ticket to the vibrant world of Indian cuisine that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you straight to the bustling streets of India. In just 35 minutes, you'll create a hearty, nutritious, and mind-blowingly delicious dish that will make your family and friends beg for seconds!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown lentils (masoor dal)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- Salt to taste
- 4 cups water
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 1 cup of brown lentils (masoor dal), 1 chopped onion, 2 chopped tomatoes, 2 slit green chilies, 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds, 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee, salt to taste, and 4 cups of water.
- Rinse the brown lentils thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. This helps remove any impurities and excess starch.
- Set your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' mode and add 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee. Allow it to heat up for a minute.
- Once the oil is hot, add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds. Sauté them for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant and start to sizzle.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and slightly golden.
- Stir in the chopped tomatoes and slit green chilies. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and blend with the onions.
- Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and salt to taste. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
- Next, add the rinsed brown lentils to the pot, followed by 4 cups of water. Stir everything together to ensure the lentils are well mixed with the sautéed mixture.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' setting and adjust the cooking time to 15 minutes on high pressure.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to the venting position to release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and give the dal a good stir. If the dal is too thick, you can add a little more water to reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust the salt if necessary. Serve the brown lentil masoor dal hot with steamed rice, naan, or roti, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Tips
- Rinse Your Lentils Thoroughly: Always rinse brown lentils until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and any potential impurities.
- Spice Management: Adjust green chilies according to your heat tolerance. For a milder version, remove the seeds or reduce the number of chilies.
- Consistency is Key: If your dal is too thick, gradually add hot water to achieve your desired texture. If it's too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
- Instant Pot Timing: The 15-minute high-pressure cooking time is perfect for brown lentils, ensuring they're tender but not mushy.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, consider tempering your dal with a final tadka of ghee, cumin seeds, and dried red chilies just before serving.
- Storage Tip: This dal tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance. It freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lemon, or a dollop of yogurt can elevate this dish from great to absolutely extraordinary!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 230kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
