Instant Pot Vegan Chana Dal Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Instant Pot
- 1 Set of Measuring Cups
- 1 Set of Measuring Spoons
- Cutting boards, Knives, etc
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup chana dal
- 1/4 cup split masoor dal split red lentils
- 1 cup onion thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes or 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 1.5 teaspoon salt( adjust to taste)
- 2 cups water( may need to adjust)
Whole Spice
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon whole cumin seeds
- 2 dry red chili peppers
Ground Spices
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or paprika Use Paprika if you like it mild
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel powder
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
For Garnish( optional)
- Chopped coriander
- Fried Onions
- 3 tablespoon Chilled coconut milk
Instructions
- Start the instant pot and select the Saute mode until it displays HOT.
- Add oil
- When oil gets hot, add cumin seeds and all whole spices
- Once the spices are fragrant, add onions
- Fry for a few minutes, till they are slightly brown
- Now add tomatoes and ginger garlic paste
- Saute for a few minutes
- Add all ground spices and salt
- Rinse soaked chana dal and masoor dal. Add to the pot
- Add water
- Cancel saute mode.
- Close the lid with the vent sealed. Switch the setting to cook mode and set the timer to 20 minutes for high-pressure cooking. Once the instant pot beeps, allow the pressure to release naturally, then open the lid.
- Stir, and cook for a few more minutes if you like a thicker consistency
- You can also add a bit more water if you like thinner consistency
- Mash some dal with the back of a serving spoon for creamier consistency
- Dish it out and top it with chopped fresh coriander, fried onions, or some coconut milk!
Video
Notes
1. For best results soak dal overnight or at least for 8 hours 2. You can use 1/4 cup of store-bought fried onions instead of fresh onions 3. Coconut milk adds to the creaminess of dal. 4. You can experiment with many other toppings, like toasted sesame seeds, sliced almonds, etc 5. If you are using chilled coconut milk, it might be too thick. Add a few teaspoons of water to make it spreadable for garnish.