Discover the rich and comforting flavors of India with our Instant Pot Coconut Masoor Dal Tadka Vegan recipe! This vibrant dish combines the earthy goodness of masoor dal with the creamy texture of coconut milk, creating a delightful meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, allowing you to indulge in a hearty, plant-based feast without spending hours in the kitchen. Ready to impress your taste buds and nourish your body? Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup masoor dal
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the masoor dal thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear, removing any debris or stones.
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the Sauté mode. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and let it heat for 30 seconds.
- Add cumin and mustard seeds to the hot oil. Allow them to splutter and release their aromatic oils, which takes about 30-45 seconds.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and light golden, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate minced garlic, grated ginger, and turmeric powder. Stir continuously for 30-45 seconds to prevent burning and develop deep flavors.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes until they start to break down and become soft.
- Pour in the rinsed masoor dal and stir to combine with the aromatic base.
- Add the entire can of coconut milk and 2 cups of water. Season with salt to taste.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing position, and select the Manual/Pressure Cook mode for 8 minutes on high pressure.
- Once cooking completes, allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release.
- Open the lid and gently stir the dal. If it's too thick, add a little hot water to reach desired consistency.
- For optional tadka (tempering), heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a small pan, add extra cumin seeds, and pour over the dal.
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve hot with rice or Indian bread.
Tips
- Rinse the Dal: Always rinse the masoor dal thoroughly before cooking to remove any impurities and ensure a clean taste.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t skip the sautéing step! Taking the time to sauté the spices and aromatics enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Adjust Consistency: After cooking, if you find the dal too thick, simply add a little hot water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Tadka for Extra Flavor: For an authentic touch, consider adding a tadka (tempering) at the end. Heat some oil, add extra cumin seeds, and pour it over the dal for a burst of flavor.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness. Don’t hold back on the garnish to elevate the dish visually and taste-wise.
- Serve with Accompaniments: Pair your dal with steamed rice or warm Indian bread like naan or roti to create a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 0mg
