Easy Instant Pot Dal

A weeknight staple that's high in fiber and protein

sous chef harshibar

sous chef harshibar

— 2 min read
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Easy Instant Pot Dal
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Dal is the classic Indian comfort food — you’ll find it in every household in India. Each region, even each family, makes dal a little differently.

Kerala adds coconut to dal, Tamil Nadu makes sambar with tamarind and veggies, and Punjab has the indulgent dal makhani with butter and cream.

It’s the perfect staple because…

  • It’s cheap — at just 25c per serving
  • It’s healthy — packed with 11g protein and 8g fiber
  • It’s easy (and fast) to make in bulk

Here’s how you can make this simple, easy vegetarian recipe at home!

Ingredients

For the dal:

  • 1 cup toor dal (moong dal or masoor dal work too)
  • 2.5 cups water (to cook the dal)
  • 2 roma tomato, chopped
  • 1/2 red onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, sliced
  • cilantro (for garnish)

Whole spices for tadka:

  • 1/2 tsp chana dal
  • 1/2 tsp urad dal
  • 1/2 tsp cumin seed
  • 1/2 tsp mustard seed
  • 1-2 dry red chili

Ground spices:

  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp coriander powder
  • 1/4 tsp chili (optional)

Instructions

1. Prep the Dal

  1. Rinse the dal several times, just like washing rice, until the water runs mostly clear.
  2. Chop the tomatoes, onion, and garlic.

2. Cook the Dal

  1. Drain the rinsed dal and add it to the Instant Pot.
  2. Add 2 cups of water, turmeric, and the chopped tomato.
  3. Set to Pressure Cook → High → 15 minutes.
  4. Let it cook while you take a walk, relax, or get a few things done.

3. Make the Tadka (Seasoning)

Start this when the Instant Pot has about 5–10 minutes left on the timer.

  1. Heat oil in a small pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the chana dal and urad dal; toast until lightly golden and nutty.
  3. Add the mustard seeds, cumin seeds, dried chili, and hing. Let everything sizzle.
  4. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 20 seconds.
  5. Add the chopped onion and salt. Cook until the onions turn translucent, about 5 minutes.
  6. Turn off the heat.

4. Finish the Dal

  1. When the Instant Pot switches to Keep Warm (display shows “L” for lapsed time), release the pressure slowly. Make sure to keep your hands away from the steam!
  2. Open the lid and stir — the dal should be creamy.
  3. Add chili powder, coriander powder, and salt to taste.
  4. Pour in the tadka and mix well.
  5. Finish with fresh cilantro.

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