Easy Instant Pot Brown Lentils Curry/ Masoor Dal Recipe

This Instant Pot Brown Lentils Curry Recipe comes out creamy & delicious every single time. And this perfect water – lentil ratio yields the tenderly cooked lentils in Instant Pot. Since it is so easy to make, you will make it on repeat. 

Instant Pot Brown Lentils Curry {Sabut Masoor ki Dal}

Brown Lentils are super delicious and packed with nutrition. Since it is our family favorite, I make it often.

It is the perfect recipe with right water to lentils ratio for Instant Pot that yields the creamy and tender lentils every single time. 

Since Instant Pot is so convenient to use, I always use it for cooking beans and lentils.

Most of the time I use Brown Lentils to make Indian Dal and it is a very simple + easy recipe. It tastes so delicious with some RICE & cut salad on the side.

Although the recipe is for Indian Dal, but you can use the same water-lentils proportion to cook these lentils with any kind of seasoning.

Lentils are such a healthy dish to have on hand. They are technically pulses– the dry, edible seeds of plants in the legume family, which also includes chickpeas, beans and split peas. They’re naturally high in protein and fiber, but low in fat. And, if you’re looking for ways to eat healthier, adding lentils into your daily routine is definitely a great way to do it.

Do check our other Instant Pot Lentils & Beans Recipes, like – Garlic Dal with Red Lentils, Detox Red Lentils Soup, Red Kidney Beans Curry, Chickpeas Curry, Tex Mex Pinto Beans, Panera Copycat Black Beans Soup and more.

 Brown Lentils Curry Recipe Ingredients

Whole Brown Lentils, dry – You can use Black or Green Lentils also

Ghee or Oil for Vegan choice – This is optional

Spices – Cumin seeds, Turmeric powder, Red chili powder or Paprika, Garam Masala, Salt, Black Cardamom (optional)

Fresh Ingredients – Ginger, Green Chili, Cilantro leaves, Lemon Juice

Water – you can use low sodium vegetable broth 

Kitchen Gadget for the Recipe

Instant Pot

Stainless Steel Inner Pot

Chopping board and Knife

Measuring Cups & Spoon

Kitchen Cooking Spoon

 

 

What kind of Lentils can I use for this recipe?

I normally cook with Brown Lentils. But you can use Black Lentils or Green Lentils also for this recipe. Red lentils are split so they will cook faster. Therefore this time and water ratio wouldn’t work for red lentils. Check out our Red Lentils Dal Recipe for the right measurements and timings. Dry lentils cook really well in Instant Pot. 

Is it necessary to soak lentils before cooking?

Brown Lentils are easy to cook. Although you can choose to soak them for 10 minutes, but you can cook them without soaking too. 

What is the right ratio of water to Brown lentils? For how long should I cook Lentils in Instant Pot?

Since we are talking about the right ratio and time, then it can vary depending upon how you intend to use the lentils in your recipe. This does not apply to red lentils.

Instant Pot Lentils for Soups and Curries

The ratio  is 1:3, where 1 is for dry brown lentils and 3 is for water or broth. Remember, the lentils swell up and thicken as they sit longer.

For more creamy & comforting texture that means slightly mushed lentils, you will cook it for 14 minutes with NPR (natural pressure release). This is our family favorite way of eating lentils.

Instant Pot Lentils for Salads

The ratio is 1:1.5 (1&half), where 1 is for dry lentils and 1.5 is for water or broth. You will cook it for 8 minutes and then do QPR (quick pressure release) for firm bite that is required for the salads.

Instant Pot Lentils as Side

The ratio is 1:2, where 1 is for dry lentils and 2 is for water or broth. You will cook it for 12 minutes and then do NPR (natural pressure release) for just the right bite that is soft and not mushy.

How can I flavor Brown Lentils?

Brown lentils have an amazing flavor profile that is meaty, tender and intense. You can use it in salads, soups, curries, and much more. Here are some flavoring options if you do not like Indian Curry or want more options.

• Spice these up with Cajun seasoning. 
• Italian seasoning works very well too.
• You can add salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder & oregano.
• Middle Eastern Spices will work very well with the lentils.
• Tex Mex Taco seasoning will work wonders.
• Salt, Pepper, & lemon juice with fresh herbs make a simple yet delicious addition.

Can I make it ahead of time?

That’s the beauty of lentils that you can make it ahead of time. These are great for MEAL PREPS and can add as a delicious side or a full meal in itself. 

How to store the leftovers?

The leftover lentils can easily be refrigerated. These will stay good for up to a week when stored in an air-tight container.

Can I freeze the cooked lentils?

Although I have never frozen the lentils, but most of the cooked beans & lentils can stay good when frozen for 6 months.

How do you eat the cooked lentils?

If you are making a dal or curry with the dry lentils, then you can serve these with RICE or Naan/Pita.

When you prepare it as a soup, then a good loaf of bread and salad on the side is super.

How to make Brown Lentils Curry in Instant Pot?

First and foremost, wash the Whole Brown Lentils(dry) under running water 3-4 times. Set aside. 

Finely chop ginger, green chili & cilantro leaves and set aside.

Now put the Stainless Steel Inner Pot inside the Instant Pot and plug it in. 

Add washed washed Brown Lentils, Water, Turmeric powder, Red chili powder or Paprika, Garam Masala, Salt, Black Cardamom (optional), finely chopped ginger, & green chili. Give it a good stir. NOTE – You may add any seasoning of your choice at this point. Or you can also choose to add 1 tbsp of good quality CURRY POWDER in case you want to avoid the list of spices mentioned.

Why Black Cardamom? – Although black cardamom is not commonly used in this recipe, but I love to add it because of its smoky flavor. It adds so much flavor and aroma to the lentil curry while cooking. You can skip it if you do not like it.

Place the lid and secure it. Set the valve to SEALING. Press the PRESSURE COOK BUTTON and set it on high for 14 minutes. Once the timer goes off, follow NPR (natural pressure release). This will yield nice thick, creamy & soft Dal.

If you do not want the dal to be very soft, then pressure cook for 12 minutes and follow QPR after 10 minutes. 

Open the lid. Give it a good stir with the Kitchen Cooking Spoon. Your Brown Lentil Curry or Sabut Masoor Dal is Ready. Squeeze about 1 -2 tsp of lemon juice on top and mix. Serve it hot.

TEMPERING (optional) – Adds so much flavor to the Dal

Heat 1 tbsp Ghee or Oil for Vegans in a small pan. Reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tsp Cumin seeds. Once the seeds crackle, add 1/4-1/2 tsp Red chili powder or Paprik to it and switch off the heat. Add this hot on top of the dal. You can skip red chili powder in case you want to keep it mild. Also if you do not want to make the tempering, just add 1 tbsp of Pure Ghee on top and mix.

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I am sure you are going to make this recipe soon. Please leave your feedback in the comments section.

Sonal