Introduction

If you are looking for a quick and easy way to cook dal, then the Instant Pot is your answer. The Instant Pot is a multi-functional kitchen appliance that can cook food in a fraction of the time it takes with traditional cooking methods.

Cooking dal in Instant Pot is not only quick and easy but also produces a delicious and nutritious dish. Dal is a staple food in many Indian households and is a great source of protein and fiber.

In this article, we will provide you with a complete guide on how to cook dal in instant pot, including the ingredients, preparation, cooking, serving, and more.

Ingredients

The first step in cooking dal in Instant Pot is to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here is a list of ingredients that you will need:

• 1 cup of dal (lentils)
• 3 cups of water
• 1 tablespoon of oil or ghee (clarified butter)
• 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon of ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon of red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon of garam masala (optional)

It is essential to select quality ingredients as they will impact the final taste and texture of the dish. When selecting dal, choose the one that is fresh and free from any dirt or debris. You can use any lentils, such as moong dal, toor dal, or masoor dal, depending on your preference.

In addition to quality ingredients, it is crucial to have the right tools, including an Instant Pot, measuring cups, and spoons, and a spatula. With all the ingredients and tools ready, you can now move on to the preparation stage.

Preparation

The preparation stage is crucial as it sets the tone for the rest of the cooking process. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Rinse the dal: Rinse the dal thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. This step removes any dirt or impurities from the dal.

2. Soak the dal: Soak the dal in water for at least 30 minutes. Soaking helps to soften the dal, making it easier to cook.

3. Chop the vegetables: While the dal is soaking, chop the onions, tomatoes, garlic, and ginger.

4. Set up the Instant Pot: Plug in the Instant Pot and set it to the sauté function. Add oil or ghee and let it heat up.

With the preparation complete, you are now ready to move on to the cooking stage.

Cooking

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Cooking

Once the Instant Pot is heated, add the cumin seeds and let them splutter for a few seconds. Then, add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.

Next, add the chopped tomatoes, garlic, and ginger, and sauté for a few minutes until the tomatoes are soft and mushy.

Now, add the soaked dal along with the water, salt, turmeric powder, and red chili powder. Give it a good stir and close the Instant Pot lid.

Set the Instant Pot to the manual or pressure cook mode and cook on high pressure for 6-8 minutes, depending on the type of dal used. Once the cooking time is complete, release the pressure naturally or use the quick release method.

When the pressure is released, open the lid and give the dal a good stir. If it looks too thick, add some water, and mix well. Finally, add the garam masala (optional) and stir.

Serving

Dal can be served with a variety of accompaniments, such as rice, naan, chapati, or crusty bread. You can also garnish it with fresh coriander leaves, chopped onions, or a dollop of yogurt.

To get the perfect consistency, you can use the sauté function of the Instant Pot to cook the dal further. Once you have achieved the desired consistency, turn off the Instant Pot and serve the dal hot.

Leftover dal can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

In conclusion, cooking dal in Instant Pot is an easy and quick way to prepare this delicious and nutritious dish. By following these simple steps, you can have a perfect bowl of dal every time. So, try out this recipe, and let us know how it turned out!