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Instant Pot Toor Dal Recipe: Simple & Flavorful Instant Pot Toor Dal Recipe: Simple & Flavorful

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Instant Pot Toor Dal Recipe: Simple & Flavorful

Written by: Emily Smith

This toor dal recipe is my go-to comfort food. It's simple, hearty, and packed with flavors. The ghee tempering at the end just elevates it to another level. Pure bliss in a bowl!

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I've been perfecting my instant pot toor dal recipe for years, and I'm excited to share this gem with you. This comforting dish brings back memories of my grandmother's kitchen, filled with aromatic spices and simmering pots. Using an instant pot makes this traditionally slow-cooked lentil dish quick and easy without sacrificing flavor. Rich, creamy, and bursting with Indian spices, this dal pairs perfectly with rice or naan. Let's dive into making this hearty, soul-warming meal together!

Ingredients for Delicious Toor Dal

  • Toor dal: Split pigeon peas that provide protein and a creamy texture essential for a traditional Indian dal recipe.
  • Onion: Adds a sweet and savory flavor base to the dish, enhancing the overall taste of the dal.
  • Tomatoes: Bring a tangy and slightly sweet taste, along with a vibrant color to the dal.
  • Green chilies: Infuse a subtle heat and fresh flavor, balancing the richness of the dal.
  • Turmeric powder: Adds a warm, earthy flavor and a beautiful golden hue to the dish.
  • Cumin seeds: Provide a nutty and aromatic flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile of the dal.
  • Mustard seeds: Add a mild heat and a pop of flavor when tempered in ghee, elevating the dish.
  • Red chili powder: Brings a spicy kick and vibrant color to the dal, enhancing its overall flavor profile.
  • Fresh coriander leaves: Garnish that adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor and a pop of green color to the dish.
  • Ghee: Clarified butter that imparts a rich, buttery flavor and silky texture to the dal when used for tempering.

Essential Tools for Making Toor Dal in an Instant Pot

  • Instant Pot: Essential for pressure cooking the toor dal quickly and efficiently.
  • Small Pan: Used for tempering the spices to enhance the flavor of the dal.
instant-pot-toor-dal-recipe-simple-flavorful

Instant Pot Toor Dal Recipe: Simple & Flavorful

This Instant Pot Toor Dal recipe is a simple and flavorful dish made with split pigeon peas, spices, and ghee. Perfect for a quick and nutritious meal.
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Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 20 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4 people
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • Instant Pot
  • Small Pan

Ingredients:  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas)
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 green chilies, slit
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • to taste Salt
  • 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions: 

  • Rinse the toor dal under running water until the water runs clear.
  • In the Instant Pot, add the toor dal, water, onion, tomatoes, green chilies, turmeric powder, and salt.
  • Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes.
  • Once done, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
  • In a small pan, heat ghee and add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and red chili powder. Saute for a minute.
  • Pour this tempering over the cooked dal and mix well.
  • Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.

Notes:

This recipe is a great source of protein and fiber, making it a healthy and satisfying meal.

Nutrition value:

Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 15gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 10gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 4mg

Keywords:

Keyword Indian Cuisine, Instant Pot, Toor Dal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Tips for Making Toor Dal Ahead of Time and Freezing

Make Ahead Instructions

  • Cook the toor dal as per the recipe instructions.
  • Allow the dal to cool completely.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Instructions

  • Portion the cooked toor dal into freezer-safe containers.
  • Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Toor dal is also known as arhar dal or tuvar dal in different regions of India.

Common Questions About Preparing Toor Dal in an Instant Pot

FAQ:
Can I use other lentils instead of toor dal?
Yes, you can substitute toor dal with other lentils like masoor dal or moong dal, but the cooking time may vary.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute ghee with any plant-based oil like coconut oil or vegetable oil.
Can I skip the tempering step?
The tempering step adds flavor to the dish, but you can skip it if you prefer a simpler version of the dal.
Is it necessary to soak the toor dal before cooking?
No, soaking the toor dal is not necessary when using an instant pot as it cooks the dal thoroughly without soaking.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, feel free to add vegetables like spinach, carrots, or potatoes to enhance the nutritional value of the dish.

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