Lentil Dal Curry Instant Pot Recipe with Mint & Garlic

Lentil Dal Curry made in Instant Pot is going to swipe you off your feet. This hearty Lentil Dal is super comfy. The addition of Garlic & Mint in this recipe elevates the YUM FACTOR of the Red Lentils Curry.

Complete Detailed Recipe is given towards the end of the Post. In between, more information and Tips & Tricks are given.

Easy & Delicious Lentil Dal Curry in Instant Pot

As far as I remember, mum never made RED LENTILS. I do not know, why? Had asked her and she had no idea either. Since my mum cooked much variety of beans, it left me pondering for a while.

Anyhow, many years fast forward, I bought my first bag of Red Lentils here in the USA. Ironical, isn’t it? Since then there is no looking back. Red Lentils are regular in my pantry.

Red Lentils are popularly known as Lal Masoor or Masoor Dhuli in Hindi.

There is something exotic yet homely about the taste of this Lentil Dal Curry. My family loves Garlic Dal and it is a recurring dish on my monthly menu. When cooked, it is so creamy almost like butter yet so light on the palette. The best part is that it can be easily used as a base to many stews and curries.

What is Dal?

Since childhood, dal has been a constant portion on our lunch or dinner plate. 1 katori (about 2/3 cup) of cooked dal brought balance to our daily meals.

Now if you are wondering what is Dal?

Dal is soupy or stewy kind of preparation made with dry beans. Boiled with Turmeric and Salt, then tempered with Ghee/Oil & Cumin seeds + red chili powder TADKA, it is a very basic and simple preparation.

Then there are many variations and modifications made to this simple dal as per region and personal choice. Different kind of spices & herbs and the addition of vegetables etc, help create unique flavors for Dal Recipes.

Since it is a simple and easy preparation, dal of any kind makes to every Indian household dinner table.

Dal brings the wholesomeness to the meal too. The Lentil Dal Curry is a complete food group with Carbs, Protein and Fiber.

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Why I am calling it Lentil Dal Curry?

Curry is basically a sauce made with a variety of spices and herbs. The curry can be a smooth sauce or slightly chunky too. It depends upon how you create it. There is no right or wrong way to make curry.

Variety of vegetables, beans or protein is cooked with the curry base to make it wholesome.

Lentil is a kind of bean and if there is a Bean Curry then why not Lentil Curry. When we can call it Mung Dal or Chana Dal, then Lentil Dal is an easy English Translation for Lal Masoor Dal. Hence the Lentil Dal Curry.

Basic Lentil Dal Ingredients

As mentioned above, Lentil Dal Curry is a simple recipe. The Basic & Simple Ingredients of Lentils Curry are –

• Red Lentils – washed & cleaned
• Turmeric powder
• salt
• Water

The Ingredients used in Lentil Dal Curry made in Instant Pot

• Red Lentils
• Indian Spices – Turmeric Powder, Red chili powder, Garam Masala, Cumin seeds
• Salt
• Oil
• Garlic – like lot of it
• Dry Mint powder or Fresh Mint
• Ginger
• Green Chili, raw
• Water

For Tempering

• Oil
• Cumin Seeds
• Red Chili powder
• Garlic (yes again)

How to make Mint & Garlic Lentil Dal Curry in Instant Pot?

For the complete recipe, scroll down towards the end.

Making Dal is fairly a simple process.

• Clean & Rinse the Dal.
• Set up the Instant Pot on SAUTE.
• Heat oil & add cumin seeds. Add garlic + ginger + green chili. Saute Garlic till it is golden brown in color.
• Add Dal & Spices + Mint + Water.
• Cancel Saute mode. Place Lid. Set the Pressure Cook Mode.
• Once the timer goes off, follow NPR (Natural Pressure Release)
• Prepare the Tadka/Tempering and add it to the dal. This step is optional.

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The Texture of Lentil Dal Curry

When we talk about the texture of this Lentil Dal Curry, I have kept it buttery and thick.

I understand that there are many people who like the beans separated. There is a simple solution to it. Just cook it for less time. I will give the options for both in the complete recipe below.

Amount of Water used to cook Dal in Instant Pot

Different brands of the same Beans or Dal require a different amount of water. Lentils of one brand will cook in less water and come perfect. And the Lentils from another brand may require more water. The climate, region, and variety of the same bean matters in the amount of water used to cook these.

Also, it is a matter of personal preference. Some people like their dal thicker and some like it soupier.

I normally do 4 times more water than the dal/beans for the SPLIT BEANS like these – split mung, split lentils, split pigeon peas. It works well. If there is a need for more water later, then I add hot water and bring it to a boil on SAUTE MODE.

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Instant Pot Dal Recipes from Simplyvegetarian777

Madras Lentils, Dal Bukhara, Dal Pumpkin Chana, Black Eyed Peas & Collard Greens, Rajma Masala, Chana Masala and more.

Vegetarian Instant Pot Recipes from Simplyvegetarian777

Mexican Pinto Beans, Red Thai Curry, Tuscan Soup, Taco Soup, Enchilada Soup and more.

Instant Pot Desserts from Simplyvegetarian777

Eggless Red Velvet Cake, Eggless Chocolate Cake, Figs & Walnut Halwa.

Complete Recipe for Mint & Garlic Lentil Dal Curry

I am sure you are going to try it soon. Please leave your feedback under comments, when you try it.

Can’t make it now? Pin this Instant Pot Red Lentil Curry for Later.

In my kitchen, you will always EAT HAPPY & STAY HAPPY!

Sonal