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–+ servings
Masoor dal and rice on a plate.

Instant Pot Masoor Dal

Tressa Jamil
Nothing beats warm and soothing Instant Pot masoor dal. Prepare it with rice for a protein-packed meal or tasty side dish.
5 from 2 votes
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Goan, Indian
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 221 kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
  
  • 1 cup masoor dal (red lentils)
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons ginger, minced, divided
  • 3-5 dried boriya chilies
  • ½ teaspoon salt, to taste
  • 2 teaspoons black mustard seeds
  • 2 teaspoons turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground fennel
  • 3½ cups water
  • 1 can coconut milk, full-fat
  • 6 cups fresh spinach
  • 4 limes, divided, sliced, and juiced
Instructions
 
  • Rinse the red lentils in a mesh strainer and set it aside.
  • Warm coconut oil in an Instant Pot on saute mode. Add the onions and cook them until they brown and caramelize, for about 20 minutes.
  • Add the garlic, one tablespoon of fresh ginger, chiles, and kosher salt. Simmer on saute mode for 1 minute.
  • Stir in the mustard seeds, turmeric, ground coriander, and ground fennel until fully incorporated.
  • Deglaze the Instant Pot with 3½ cups of water, and be careful to scrape up anything stuck to the bottom of the pot. Then, whisk in the coconut milk.
  • Add the lentils and bring the mixture to a boil on saute mode. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 10-15 minutes with quick release.
  • Remove the Instant Pot lid and unplug it. Stir in the spinach and let it sit for 3-4 minutes.
  • Finish with the remaining fresh ginger, lime juice, and salt. Stir to combine and serve with basmati rice.
Notes
Expert Tips:
  • All varieties of dal break down differently as they cook. And unlike other types of dal, red split lentils don't need to soak before cooking.
Nutrition Disclosure:
  • The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 Serving | Calories: 221 kcal | Carbohydrates: 32 g | Protein: 11 g | Fat: 4 g | Sodium: 374 mg | Fiber: 5 g | Sugar: 5 g
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