Step 1

Place the first 7 ingredients in the Instant Pot.

Step 2

Close the lid, set valve to sealing. Press the manual button and then select high pressure and set time to 12 minutes.

Step 3

Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes and then let the pressure release naturally (NPR). [Note: you can soak the chana dal for an hour and then do high pressure for 7-8 minutes only].

Step 4

Open the lid and give a stir. Press the "keep warm/cancel" button and then press the "saute" button.

Step 5

Meanwhile heat oil in a pan on stove-top on medium heat.

Step 6

Add cumin and mustard seeds and let them crackle. Add hing, chopped garlic and dried red chilies (break red chilies into 2 for extra spice).

Step 7

Cook till garlic turns light golden brown. Remove pan from heat and add the prepared tempering to the IP.

Step 8

Give a good stir. You may also mash some dal with back of your spoon at this point.

Step 9

Add lemon juice and cilantro and serve chana dal with rice.