Instant Pot Spiced Indian Lentil Dal
A comforting and protein-rich Indian dal made quickly in the Instant Pot with red lentils and warming spices for a flavorful weeknight meal. This indian-inspired instant pot (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs red lentils (masoor dal), rinsed, water, medium yellow onion, finely chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 230 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils (masoor dal), rinsed
- 3 cups water
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 8 leaves curry leaves (optional)
- 2 tbsp ghee or vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- for serving lemon wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat 2 tbsp ghee or vegetable oil. Add 1 tsp mustard seeds and 8 curry leaves (if using) and cook for 30 seconds until mustard seeds start to pop.
- Step 2: Add 1 medium finely chopped yellow onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until onion softens and turns translucent.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1/2 tsp red chili powder; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 1 cup rinsed red lentils and 3 cups water along with 1 1/2 tsp salt; stir well.
- Step 5: Close the lid, seal the valve, and set to pressure cook on high for 8 minutes.
- Step 6: When cooking is complete, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Step 7: Open the lid and stir the dal, adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro and serve with lemon wedges.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Instant Pot Spiced Indian Lentil Dal take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Instant Pot Spiced Indian Lentil Dal?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep water from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Instant Pot Spiced Indian Lentil Dal?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Instant Pot Spiced Indian Lentil Dal for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Instant Pot Spiced Indian Lentil Dal vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
