Easy Indian Red Lentil Dahl

Step 1

Place the red lentils in a colander and wash them under running water.

Step 2

Set aside.

Step 3

Place the inner pot inside the Instant Pot.

Step 4

Turn on SAUTE MODE- NORMAL- 8 MINS.

Step 5

Wait for the display to read HOT.

Step 6

Now, add the oil.

Step 7

Tip in the cumin seeds and when they crackle, add the chopped garlic and finely chopped onions.

Step 8

Mix well and saute for 1 min until the onions become pink and soft.

Step 9

Now, add the ground coriander and paprika along with salt and turmeric.

Step 10

Mix well and immediately add the washed lentils and water.

Step 11

Stir well to combine.

Step 12

Press CANCEL.

Step 13

Ensure that the sealing ring has been fitted properly into the lid.

Step 14

Close the Instant Pot.

Step 15

Now, press PRESSURE COOK button- HIGH PRESSURE for 10 MINUTES.

Step 16

Allow the cooking cycle to complete.

Step 17

When the cooking cycle is complete, wait for natural pressure release.

Step 18

Once the pressure releases naturally, open the lid and gently mash the dal once or twice using a ladle.

Step 19

Heat a small skillet over medium heat with oil.

Step 20

Now, add finely chopped garlic and wait for the garlic to brown.

Step 21

This takes about 2 mins on medium heat.

Step 22

When the garlic has browned, switch off the flame and add the smoked paprika.

Step 23

Immediately, transfer this to the cooked dal, stir well to combine.

Step 24

Garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot.

Step 25

In order to minimize the cooking time, wash the lentils under running water and soak the washed lentils in 2 cups hot water for 20 mins.

Step 26

After 20 mins, heat a heavy bottomed pan or dutch oven with oil.

Step 27

Crackle the cumin seeds and when the seeds have crackled, add the chopped garlic and finely chopped onions.

Step 28

Mix well and cook till the onions become pink and soft.

Step 29

While the onions are cooking, drain the lentils in a colander and set aside.

Step 30

Now, add the ground coriander, ground turmeric and paprika along with salt.

Step 31

Stir to combine. Add the soaked lentils and water.

Step 32

Mix well.

Step 33

Cook on low flame till the dals are cooked and mushy.

Step 34

It takes somewhere between 12 mins to 15 mins for the dal to be cooked fully.

Step 35

When cooked, mash well using a ladle.

Step 36

Heat a small skillet over medium heat with oil.

Step 37

Now, add finely chopped garlic and wait for the garlic to brown.

Step 38

This takes about 2 mins on medium heat.

Step 39

When the garlic has browned, switch off the flame and add the smoked paprika.

Step 40

Immediately, transfer this to the cooked dal, stir well to combine.

Step 41

Garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot.

Step 42

Heat a 3 liter deep pressure cooker or pan with oil.

Step 43

Now, add the cumin seeds and allow them to crackle.

Step 44

Tip in the garlic and onions.

Step 45

Mix well and fry till onions become soft and pink.

Step 46

Add the spice powders and salt. Stir well.

Step 47

Immediately add the washed red lentils along with the water.

Step 48

Stir to combine.

Step 49

Close the cooker with the lid and put on the weight.

Step 50

Pressure cook for 5 whistles on medium heat.

Step 51

When done, switch off flame and allow the pressure to release naturally.

Step 52

Once pressure releases, open the lid and mash the dal once or twice.

Step 53

Follow the instructions given above under the Instant Pot method for tempering the dal.

Step 54

Mix well and garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves.

Step 55

Serve hot.