Go Back

Black Lentil Dal

Black Lentil Dal, Maa ki dal, or Kali Dal, a rich and hearty dish made from whole black lentils, is slow-cooked with onions, tomatoes, and aromatic spices like cumin, garam masala, and coriander. This comforting and nutritious dal pairs perfectly with rice, naan, or roti, making it an ideal meal for any occasion.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine Indian
Servings 6 People
Calories 80 kcal

Equipment

  • Instant Pot
  • Set of Measuring Spoons
  • One Set of measuring cups
  • Knives, cutting boards, etc

Ingredients
  

Lentils:

  • 1 cup whole or split black lentils with skin urad dal or black gram

Fresh Ingredients:

  • 1 cup onions chopped
  • 1 cup tomatoes chopped
  • 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
  • 1 green chili finely chopped (optional)

Whole spices

  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 Bay leaf

Ground Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • ½ teaspoon red chili powder or cayenne pepper or paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon fennel powder
  • 1 tbsp kasuri methi

Other:

  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 3 cups water or as required
  • Salt to taste

For garnish

  • ¼ cup chopped coriander
  • Fried onions
  • Vegan butter

Instructions
 

Soaking Lentils:

  • Rinse the lentils 2 to 3 times. Soak them in water 3 to 5 hours or overnight
  • Drain the lentils after soaking. Set aside

Instant Pot Dal Cooking Instructions

  • Start by heating oil in the Instant Pot on Sauté mode at low heat.
  • Once heated, add cumin seeds and allow them to sizzle and crackle.
  • Add bay leaf, chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
  • Mix in chopped tomatoes, ginger garlic paste, and green chilies. Stir until well combined.
  • Add coriander powder, turmeric, red chili powder, kasoori methi, , and garam masala. Stir the spices into the mixture thoroughly.
  • Continue sautéing until the oil starts separating from the masala.
  • Add the soaked lentils, water, and salt. Stir to combine everything.
  • Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to the sealing position, and choose Pressure Cook or Manual mode.
  • Set the timer to 40 minutes on High Pressure.
  • Once the cooking is done, let the pressure release naturally (NPR) for 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Open the lid and check the consistency. If the dal is too thin, switch back to Sauté mode and simmer until it thickens.
  • Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with naan, rice, or roti.

Video

Notes

1 Soak lentils for at least 3 hours for better cooking results.
2. Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less chili.
3. If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can use a traditional pressure cooker or stovetop.
4. The dal thickens as it cools, so you may need to add water when reheating leftovers.
5. Don’t skip the kasuri methi and fried onions for garnish – they enhance the flavor!
Keyword black lentil dal, maa do dal