Lentil Dal Curry Instant Pot Recipe
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.
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 cup Red Lentils cleaned and washed
- 4 large cloves Garlic chopped into small pieces
- 1 tsp Ginger minced
- 1 Green Chili , optional minced
- 1 tsp Mint, dry or use 1 tbsp fresh mint chopped fine
- 4 cups Water
Oil & Spices
- 1/2 tbsp Cooking Oil
- 1 tsp Cumin seeds
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp Red chili powder or cayenne powder use less for less heat
- 1/2 tsp Garam Masala
- 1&1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
Tadka/Tempering (optional)
- 1/2 tbsp Cooking Oil
- 1 tsp Cumin seeds
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp cayenne powder or red chili powder
- 1 large clove garlic sliced or chopped thin
Garnish
- Sprinkle of dry Mint leaves or few fresh mint leaves
- Dash of Lemon juice
Instructions
Cooking on SAUTE MODE
- Clean and Wash RED LENTILS. Set aside. No soaking needed for this bean.
- Place the inner pot inside the Instant Pot. Plug it in. Press SAUTE MODE and set it on HIGH/MORE. When the screen displays HOT, add 1/2 tbsp cooking oil. After 2-3 seconds, add cumin seeds to it.
- Wait for 2 seconds. Now add minced garlic, ginger, and green chili. Saute till garlic pieces become golden in color.
- Once the garlic becomes golden, add turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, dry mint, and salt. Stir well. Now add washed red lentils + water. Give it a good stir. Cancel the SAUTE MODE.
Cooking on MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK Mode
- Place the lid of the Instant Pot. Set the valve to SEALING. Press the Manual/Pressure Cook Mode and set it on HIGH/MORE for 5 Minutes. This will give a nice mushy buttery texture to the lentils. If you like your beans separated and not so mushy, then Pressure cook for 3 minutes.
- Follow NPR (natural pressure release). Once the safety valve drops, open the lid carefully. Add the tempering if you want to. See below how to make Tadka/Tempering for lentil dal.
Garlic Tadka/Tempering Recipe
- Heat 1/2 tbsp oil in a frying pan. Once the oil is hot, lower the heat to medium and add cumin seeds and garlic to it. Saute till garlic turns golden. Once the garlic turns golden, add chili powder and immediately turn off the heat. Stir well.
- Now add this Tadka/Tempering to the Mint & Garlic Dal. Garnish with some more mint and squeeze a dash of lemon in it.
Serving Suggestion
- It tastes amazing with rice or Naan. I could eat it as is like a thick creamy lentil stew.