Instant Pot Lentil Dal

Creamy, deeply spiced Indian lentil dal that cooks in 20 minutes in the Instant Pot.

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups red lentils, rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
• 1/4 tsp cayenne
• 2 tbsp ghee or vegetable oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro and lemon to serve

Directions

1. Set Instant Pot to Sauté. Heat ghee and toast cumin seeds 30 seconds.
2. Add onion and cook 4 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, and remaining spices, cook 1 minute.

Add lentils, broth, and tomatoes. Stir well.

1. Close lid. Set to HIGH pressure 8 minutes. Natural release 10 minutes.
2. Stir dal — it should be thick and creamy. Season with salt.
3. Serve over rice with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon.
4. The tempering (tadka) of spices in fat is essential for dal flavor.

Notes

Red lentils dissolve completely creating a naturally thick dal without blending. Wonderful with naan or over cauliflower rice.