Step 1

Clean and Wash the Chana Dal under running water 2-3 times. Then soak it in 2 cups water till ready to use. Meanwhile work on your Acorn squash or pumpkin of your choice. Wash the squash, Cut it open into half. Scoop out the seeds from the middle with a spoon. Now peel the squash or pumpkin with a peeler or sharp knife. Cut it into large cubes. It is ready to be used in the recipe.

Step 2

Place the inner pot inside the Instant Pot. Press saute mode to 5 minutes on High/More. When the screen displays HOT, add bay leaf, whole red chilies, and cumin seeds. Saute for few seconds. Now add chopped onions, garlic and ginger. Give it a good stir. Cover with a lid and cook for about 3-4 minutes till onions become soft. Switch off the Saute Mode.

Step 3

Drain the soaked chana dal. Add it to the Instant Pot. Also add pumpkin or squash of your choice. Now add all the mentioned spices - turmeric, salt, red chili powder, garam masala, cumin powder. Give another good stir. Add 3 cups water. Stir again.

Step 4

Now place the Instant Pot Lid and set the floating valve to SEALING. Press the MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK MODE to NORMAL/MORE and set the timer for 12 minutes.

Step 5

Once the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally that is NPR (natural pressure release). When the safety pin goes down, open the lid carefully. Add lemon juice and Cilantro leaves. Adjust salt and garam masala if required.

Step 6

Also, if the dal consistency is too thick for you, then you can add 1/2 to 1 cup of hot water to it and bring it to the consistency of your choice. If you choose to do that, then you may cook further on saute mode.

Step 7

Serve it hot with rice or naan. I ate it with whole wheat pita and it tasted awesome. Pumpkin Dal can be eaten as is like a stew or served with bread of choice.

Step 8

Take a small pan and heat oil in it. Once the oil is hot, reduce the heat and add cumin seeds. As they start crackling, add red chili powder and immediately switch off the heat. Add it to the Pumpkin Dal for more flavor.

Step 9

Or simply add 1 tsp of Olive oil to it if you want to. It adds to the flavors.