Traditional Indian Masoor Dal | Brown Lentils - Instant Pot & Stove-top

Step 1

Soak masoor dal in water for 10-15 minutes.

Step 2

In the meanwhile grind your ginger, garlic, onion and chiles into a smooth paste (add 3-4 green chiles at this step if using). Add water as required and set aside.

Step 3

In the same blender, grind your tomatoes to a smooth paste and set aside. Alternatively, you can boil your tomatoes for a few minutes, peel skin and then grind them.

Step 4

Set the Instant Pot to Saute mode on Normal and heat ghee. Once ghee is hot, add cumin seeds and hing, sauté until reddish brown and fragrant.

Step 5

Add your ginger, garlic, onion paste and cook until mixture turns fragrant and light brown.

Step 6

Add in the ground tomatoes, ground coriander, turmeric and garam masala and cook for 5-8 more minutes. You can add some water if mixture is too dry.

Step 7

Then add the lentils and 1 tsp salt, mix well.

Step 8

Add 4 Cups water and close the lid of the Instant Pot and select Pressure Cook mode on High, set the time to 12 minutes. Ensure the Instant Pot is in Sealing Mode. Let the pressure release naturally.

Step 9

Season with salt to adjust for seasoning and garnish with fresh cilantro, mix well. Serve hot with rice/roti.

Step 10

Soak masoor dal in water for 10-15 minutes.

Step 11

In the meanwhile grind your ginger, garlic, onion and chilies into a smooth paste. Add extra water as necessary and set aside.

Step 12

In the same blender, grind your tomatoes to a smooth paste and set aside. Alternatively, you can boil your tomatoes for a few minutes, peel skin and then grind them.

Step 13

In a pressure cooker, heat ghee. Once ghee is hot, add cumin seeds and hing, sauté until reddish brown and fragrant.

Step 14

Add your ginger, garlic, onion paste and cook until mixture turns fragrant and light brown.

Step 15

Add in the ground tomatoes, ground coriander, turmeric and garam masala and cook for 5-8 more minutes. You can add some water if mixture is too dry.

Step 16

Then add the lentils and 1 tsp salt, mix well. Add 4 Cups of water close the pressure cooker. After about 2-3 whistles, take off the heat and let the pressure release naturally.

Step 17

Open the pressure cooker and taste for seasoning. Add cilantro for garnish and serve hot with rice/roti.