16 Indian Dal Recipe Instant Pot Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Mar 27, 2024
Indian cuisine is known for its rich and flavorful dishes, and one of the most beloved and versatile ingredients in Indian cooking is dal. Dal, also known as lentils, is a staple in Indian households and can be found in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to curries and side dishes. With the rise of the Instant Pot, cooking dal has become even easier and quicker, making it a perfect addition to any busy weeknight meal. In this article, we will explore the traditional Indian dal recipe and how to make it in an Instant Pot.
Dal, a staple dish in Indian cuisine, is a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy lentils. With an Instant Pot, you can have this classic dish on the table in no time. Simply add your lentils, spices, and water to the Instant Pot, press a button, and let it do its magic. The result is a perfectly cooked, flavorful dal that will have you going back for seconds.
2of 20
Zucchini Dal (Instant Pot & Stovetop)
Main Ingredients: Masoor Dal, Zucchini, Ghee, Cumin Seeds, Asafetida
This unique twist on traditional dal incorporates zucchini for added texture and flavor. The combination of tender lentils, aromatic spices, and hearty zucchini makes for a satisfying and wholesome meal. Whether you make it in your Instant Pot or on the stovetop, this zucchini dal is sure to become a family favorite.
3of 20
Gujarati Dal (Instant Pot & Stovetop)
Main Ingredients: Pigeon Pea, Ghee, Green Chili Pepper, Ginger, Tomato
Gujarati dal is a popular dish in the western state of Gujarat in India. It is a sweet and tangy dal that is typically served with rice and a side of vegetables. With the help of an Instant Pot, you can replicate the flavors of this traditional dish in a fraction of the time. The combination of lentils, jaggery, tamarind, and spices creates a unique and delicious flavor that will have you coming back for more.
4of 20
Lauki Chana Dal (Instant Pot)
Main Ingredients: Gourd, Chana Dal, Onions, Tomatoes, Peanut Oil, Cumin
Lauki chana dal is a delicious and healthy combination of lentils and bottle gourd, a type of squash commonly used in Indian cooking. By cooking it in an Instant Pot, the lentils and vegetables become perfectly tender and infused with the flavors of the spices. This dish is not only tasty, but also packed with nutrients, making it a great addition to any meal.
5of 20
Indian Dal Nirvana (Dal Makhani)
Main Ingredients: Dry Lentils, Crushed Tomato, Fresh Ginger, Minced
Dal nirvana, also known as dal makhani, is a rich and creamy dal dish that is often served at special occasions and celebrations in India. The combination of black lentils, kidney beans, and cream makes for a decadent and indulgent dish. With an Instant Pot, you can have this restaurant-style dal ready in a fraction of the time it takes to make it on the stovetop.
6of 20
Instant Pot Dal (Indian Lentil) Dal Tadka
Main Ingredients: Arhar Dal, Masoor, Green Lentil, Water, Turmeric
Dal tadka, also known as dal fry, is a popular Indian dish made with lentils and tempered with aromatic spices. With an Instant Pot, you can have this dish ready in less than 30 minutes. The result is a flavorful and comforting dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal.
7of 20
Instant Pot Lentil Dal (Indian Lentils)
Main Ingredients: Ghee, Yellow Onion, Minced Ginger, Garlic Cloves, Mild
With an Instant Pot, you can have a delicious and nutritious lentil dal on the table in no time. This recipe calls for a blend of different types of lentils, creating a hearty and flavorful dish. Serve it with rice or naan for a complete meal that the whole family will love.
8of 20
Masoor Dal Tadka - Indian Red Lentil Dal
Main Ingredients: Masoor Dal, Water, Oil, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Minced
Masoor dal tadka is a popular dal dish made with red lentils and tempered with a variety of spices. This dish is not only delicious, but also packed with protein and nutrients. By using an Instant Pot, you can have this dish ready in a fraction of the time it takes to make it on the stovetop.
9of 20
Indian Dal Soup
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, White Onion, Garlic, Fresh Ginger, Cayenne
This hearty and flavorful dal soup is the perfect comfort food on a cold day. With the help of an Instant Pot, you can have this soup ready in no time. The combination of lentils, vegetables, and spices creates a warm and comforting bowl of soup that will warm you from the inside out.
10of 20
Instant Pot Khichdi – Indian Dal Khichadi(with Video)
Main Ingredients: Moong Dal, Rice, Water, Salt, Ghee, Cumin, Asafetida
Khichdi is a popular one-pot meal in Indian cuisine. It is made with a combination of lentils, rice, and vegetables, making it a wholesome and nutritious dish. With an Instant Pot, you can have this classic dish ready in less than 30 minutes. Serve it with a side of yogurt and pickles for a complete and satisfying meal.
11of 20
Instant Pot Dal Makhani
Main Ingredients: Lentils, Avocado Oil, Cumin Seeds, Onion, Bay Leaf
This restaurant-style dal makhani is made with black lentils, kidney beans, and cream, creating a rich and creamy dish that is sure to impress. By using an Instant Pot, you can have this dish ready in a fraction of the time it takes to make it on the stovetop. Serve it with rice and naan for a complete and satisfying meal.
This simple and flavorful red lentil dal is a staple in Indian households. With an Instant Pot, you can have this dish ready in less than 30 minutes. The result is a comforting and nutritious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal.
13of 20
One-Pot Spinach Dal
Main Ingredients: Oil, Cumin Seeds, Mustard Seeds, Yellow Onion
This one-pot spinach dal is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy lentils. By cooking it in an Instant Pot, the lentils and spinach become perfectly tender and infused with the flavors of the spices. This dish is not only tasty, but also packed with nutrients, making it a great addition to any meal.
Dal, a staple dish in Indian cuisine, is a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy lentils. With an Instant Pot, you can have this classic dish on the table in no time. Simply add your lentils, spices, and water to the Instant Pot, press a button, and let it do its magic. The result is a perfectly cooked, flavorful dal that will have you going back for seconds.
15of 20
Creamy Indian Lentils (Dal Tadka)
Main Ingredients: Lentils, Chopped Onion, Chopped Tomatoes, Ginger
This creamy and flavorful lentil dish is a popular choice in many Indian restaurants. With an Instant Pot, you can make this dish at home in no time. The combination of lentils, cream, and spices creates a decadent and indulgent dish that is sure to please.
16of 20
Instant Pot Indian Lamb Curry
Main Ingredients: Meat, Avocado Oil, Green Cardamom, Fennel Seeds
If you're looking to change up your dal game, try making this flavorful Indian lamb curry in your Instant Pot. The combination of tender lamb, aromatic spices, and creamy lentils makes for a satisfying and delicious meal. Serve it with rice and naan for a complete and hearty dinner.
17of 20
Instant Pot Dal Palak (Spinach Dal)
Main Ingredients: Red Lentils, Yellow Lentils, Ghee, Cumin Seeds, Chopped
This dal palak, or spinach dal, is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy lentils. With the help of an Instant Pot, you can have this dish ready in no time. The combination of lentils, spinach, and spices creates a flavorful and nutritious dish that the whole family will love.
18of 20
Dal Palak (Instant Pot Spinach Dal)
Main Ingredients: Red Lentils, Yellow Lentils, Lentils, Small Onion
This hearty and flavorful spinach dal is the perfect comfort food on a cold day. With the help of an Instant Pot, you can have this dish ready in no time. The combination of lentils, vegetables, and spices creates a warm and comforting bowl of dal that will warm you from the inside out.
19of 20
Instant Pot Dal Palak - Spinach Dal
Main Ingredients: Spinach, Toor Dal, Masoor Dal, Minced Garlic, Chopped
This dal palak, or spinach dal, is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy lentils. With the help of an Instant Pot, you can have this dish ready in no time. The combination of lentils, spinach, and spices creates a flavorful and nutritious dish that the whole family will love.
20of 20
Instant Pot Dal Tadka | Dal Fry
Main Ingredients: Toor Dal, Masoor Dal, Moong Dal, Medium Onion, Medium
Dal tadka, also known as dal fry, is a popular Indian dish made with lentils and tempered with aromatic spices. With an Instant Pot, you can have this dish ready in less than 30 minutes. The result is a flavorful and comforting dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. Serve it with rice or naan for a complete and satisfying meal.
Why Use an Instant Pot for Indian Dal?
If you're not familiar with the Instant Pot, it's a multi-functional electric pressure cooker that has taken the cooking world by storm. It can cook food up to 70% faster than traditional methods, making it a game-changer for busy home cooks. When it comes to making Indian dal, the Instant Pot is the perfect tool. Not only does it cut down on cooking time, but it also helps to infuse the dal with deep and rich flavors, creating a dish that tastes like it's been simmering for hours. Plus, with the Instant Pot's sauté function, you can easily sauté onions, garlic, and spices before adding in the dal, making it a one-pot wonder.
Choosing the Right Lentils for Indian Dal
There are many different types of lentils, but when it comes to making Indian dal, the most commonly used are toor dal, chana dal, and masoor dal. Toor dal, also known as pigeon peas, is a popular choice for its creamy texture and slightly sweet flavor. Chana dal, made from split chickpeas, is known for its nutty and earthy taste. Masoor dal, or red lentils, are the quickest cooking of the three and have a mild and slightly nutty flavor. Whichever lentil you choose, make sure to rinse and soak them before cooking to help reduce cooking time and make them easier to digest.
Flavoring Your Indian Dal
While the base for Indian dal is usually lentils, it's the spices and herbs that give it its distinct flavor. The most commonly used spices in Indian cooking are cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. These spices are often combined with fresh ginger, garlic, and chili peppers to create a fragrant and flavorful dish. You can also add in vegetables like tomatoes, spinach, or potatoes to add more depth and texture to your dal. With the Instant Pot, you can easily sauté these spices and ingredients before adding in the lentils, helping to infuse the dal with layers of flavor.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, cooking Indian dal in an Instant Pot is a game-changer for anyone looking to make a flavorful and nutritious meal in a short amount of time. With its quick cooking time and ability to infuse the dal with rich flavors, the Instant Pot is the perfect tool for making traditional Indian dal. So next time you're craving a taste of India, try making dal in your Instant Pot for a delicious and satisfying meal.