Instant Pot Masoor Dal (Red Lentils)

In need of a hearty and flavorful dish that is going to leave you craving more? Then look no further than this incredible Masoor Dal. This Indian dish is made using red lentils and is cooked using the ever-convenient instant pot, so you won’t have to worry about the hassle of cooking with this recipe. 

Bursting with earthy flavors and that distinctly great creamy texture, this Masoor Dal is going to become a regular dish in your household, especially since cooking it with the instant pot is so easy. 

Packed with protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients, Masoor Dal is as healthy as it is tasty, providing you with a dish that is filling without leaving you feeling guilty. 

Not only is this Masoor Dal gluten-free, but it’s also vegan, which means that everyone will be able to enjoy the incredible flavors found in this dish, making it an excellent meal to cook when you have guests! 

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is super simple and accessible, so anyone will be able to make and enjoy this dish for themselves, and you’ll be sure to be impressed with your cooking, too. 

So, get your instant pot and ingredients ready, as we’re about to cook up one of the best dishes you’ll ever taste. 

Why You’ll Love Masoor Dal (Red Lentils) 

Originating in India, there’s a reason why so many people all around the world have come to love masoor dal; if you’ve never had the opportunity to try this dish before, then we promise you that you’re going to love it, too. 

Here are some of the reasons why we think you’ll love this dish: 

• Flavor – Once you’ve sampled this dish, you’ll agree that it is one of the most flavorsome dishes out there. Spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric are all used to create a complex and exciting amalgamation of flavors on your taste buds, and the nuttiness of the lentils will help to make the curry well-balanced. 

• Versatility – This dish is incredibly versatile, which is precisely why so many people make it a part of their busy weeknight schedules. You can serve it accompanied by some steamed basmati rice or even some freshly made naan. It could work as an option at a party, too. 

• Vegetarian/Vegan –  Because this dish is completely suitable for vegetarians and vegans, it means that everyone can enjoy it. Even if you’re a self-proclaimed meat lover, the flavors of this dish are simply irresistible, so you’ll enjoy it despite its lack of meat! 

• Nutritious – As we’ve mentioned before, masoor dal is extremely nutritious and the perfect dish to add to your diet if you’re looking to eat healthier. 

• Simplicity – It might sound like a dish that would be a hassle to cook, but the reality is that making Masoor Dal is fairly simple, especially when using an instant pot. So if you’re bored with having to cook elaborate meals, this recipe will speak to you! 

Ingredients Needed For Masoor Dal (Red Lentils) 

Now that you’re more familiar with this dish, it’s time for us to take a look at the ingredients required to make this dish. 

Most of the ingredients used can be purchased in grocery stores wherever you are, while certain ingredients will need to be purchased from your nearest Indian grocery store instead. 

Despite this, this dish isn’t expensive to make, and most of the ingredients are ones that you will have in your pantry anyway! 

So, for this dish, you will need: 

• Split Masoor Dal (Red Lentils) – 1 Cup
• Neutral Cooking Oil – 1 Tablespoon 
• Cumin Seeds (Jeera) – 1 Teaspoon 
• Asafetida (Hing) – Small Pinch 
• Green Chilies – 2 
• Garlic Cloves – 3, minced. 
• Ginger – ½ inch, Minced 
• Curry Leaves – 8 to 10 
• Medium-Sized Onion – 1, Finely Chopped 
• Large Tomato – 1, Finely Chopped 
• Salt – To Taste 
• Water – 3 Cups
• Cilantro Leaves – 2 Tablespoons, Finely Chopped 
• Lime Juice – 1 Tablespoon

For this dish, you’ll also need some dry spices too: 

• Turmeric – ½ Teaspoon 
• Red Chili Powder – ½ Teaspoon 
• Cilantro Powder – 1 Teaspoon 
• Garam Masala Powder – ½ Teaspoon 

Finally, here’s what you’ll need to prepare some delicious basmati rice to serve alongside the masoor dal! 

• Basmati Rice – 1 Cup 
• Water – 1 ½ Cup 
• Salt – Small Pinch (Optional) 

How To Make Masoor Dal (Red Lentils) With An Instant Pot 

With your ingredients and instant pot ready, it’s time we dove into making this delicious masoor dal. It’s worth noting that using an instant pot is not the traditional way of preparing a dal; however, it still results in a delicious meal. 

Traditionally, the dal would be cooked separately before the tadka (tempering), would be added afterward. 

Regardless, it’s time for us to begin making this delicious curry, so let’s begin! 

Step 1 

The first step is to wash and rinse your dal before setting them aside. This helps to remove any dirt that might still be on the surface while also removing some of the excess starch, ensuring you get the possible flavor from your dal. 

Step 2 

On your instant pot, set it to “SAUTE MODE”, and add in your oil, allowing it to heat up slightly before then adding your cumin seeds. Let them crackle for a short while. 

Step 3

With your cumin seeds crackling, add in the asafetida, minced ginger and garlic, green chilies, and your curry leaves, allowing them all to sauté for around 15 seconds; you can then add your chopped onion to the pot. Continue to sauté the ingredients until the onions reach a golden brown color. 

Step 4

Once your onions have browned, add your tomato, turmeric, red chili powder, cilantro powder, and your garam masala, and continue to cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until the chopped tomatoes have gone soft. 

Step 5

Add in your rinsed dal, salt, and water before stirring it all together to combine. Taste using a small spoon and adjust the spices to your liking. 

Step 6

With all the ingredients for the masoor dal added, you can then add the trivet and rice bowl with water into your instant pot, which will allow you to cook both your rice and your masoor dal together inside the instant pot at the same time. 

Pot-in-Pot cooking is one of the biggest advantages of using an instant pot, but if you can’t do this with your instant pot, then you’ll have to cook your rice on the stovetop instead. 

Step 7

Close the lid on your instant pot, and then set the pot to MANUAL-PRESSURE COOK (High Pressure), and set the timer to 5 minutes. Cook until the timer goes off, and then allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes. 

Step 8 

You can then stir in your lime juice and top it with your fresh cilantro leaves. Then, your masoor dal is ready to serve, accompanied by the delicious basmati rice. Enjoy! 

Stovetop Pressure Cooker Instructions 

If you don’t have access to an instant pot and are using a stovetop pressure cooker instead, then it’s important to follow these instructions instead, as they’ll help to ensure that you achieve the same excellent results as you would with an instant pot! 

Step 1 

Pressure-cook your masoor dal with 3 cups of water for 3 to 4 whistles. 

Step 2 

Heat your oil in a Kadai, and then add in your cumin seeds, allowing them to crackle. 

Step 3 

Put your asafetida, minced garlic and ginger, green chilies, and curry leaves into the cooker before sauting for around 15 seconds. 

Step 4

You can then add your onions and sauté until browned. 

Step 5

Add tomatoes and powdered spices, and continue to cook until your tomatoes have softened. 

Step 6

Transfer the cooked dal back into the cooker and stir well to combine; add water until you reach your desired consistency, and salt to taste. Use a low flame to boil for around 2 to 3 minutes. 

Step 7 

Add your lime juice and cilantro leaves, and you’re ready to serve up your delicious masoor dal! 

How To Serve Masoor Dal (Red Lentils) 

Now that you’ve made your delicious masoor dal, it’s time for you to figure out exactly what you’re going to serve alongside it! The choice is yours, but it can be a difficult one. If you’re unsure about what you should consider serving with your dal, then check out some of our suggestions below: 

• Rice – The classic accompaniment for an Indian curry, basmati rice is usually great with masoor dal, especially as it doesn’t encroach on the dal’s flavor. 

• Naan Or Roti- Freshly baked naan is always delicious, and is perfect for scooping up plenty of dal! Roti also works just as well, so pick which one suits you best. 

• Yogurt – While the spice of masoor dal isn’t particularly fiery, for some it might still be a little on the hot side, which is why a dollop of yogurt will certainly go down a treat. 

• Salad – Although it might not exactly be traditional, a side salad made using fresh ingredients will work perfectly with this masoor dal, producing a cool and crunchy contrast to the dal. 

With these suggestions, you should be able to find the perfect accompaniment, so be sure to experiment with each one! 

Tips & Variations For Masoor Dal ( Red Lentils) 

While this recipe is sure to provide you with some delicious-tasting masoor dal, it’s also worth familiarizing yourself with some of these pro tips and tricks, which will help to ensure that your masoor dal tastes the best it possibly can! 

• Consistency – The consistency of the dal is extremely important, but many people often have their preferences for what the consistency should be like. For those who like them firmer, 3 to 5 minutes is the best time to cook them, while those who like them soft should aim for 6 minutes of cooking time. 

• Soaking – Some recipes that use dal will require you to soak them before cooking, but with the washing and rinsing, and the amount of water used in this recipe, there’s no need to soak your dal for this recipe. 

• Protein – While the dal is already quite high in protein, you can easily increase the protein content by serving your dal with paneer on top. 

Masoor Dal Storage Tips 

If you have some masoor dal left over from your cooking, then it’s worth knowing how you can keep it fresh and ready to eat for another day. 

If you’re looking to refrigerate your masoor dal, then simply transfer it to an airtight container once it has cooled completely, and then place it in the fridge. It should last for between 3 and 5 days. 

Similarly, you can freeze your masoor dal in an airtight container, which will last for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it out before you try reheating it! 

Final Thoughts 

We hope that this guide to cooking your masoor dal in an instant pot has provided you with a dish that is going to become a part of your regular meal schedule. 

Masoor dal is one of India’s most popular dishes, and if you’re looking for a dish that is both tasty and nutritious, then this is one you’re going to want to try, especially since it’s so easy to cook, too. Enjoy! 

Frequently Asked Questions