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Mixed Dal Tadka

Discover the comforting and nutritious goodness of Mixed Dal , a flavorful dish made with a blend of chana, moong, urad, and masoor dals. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy meal, thanks to the Instant Pot, which simplifies the cooking process.
With a fragrant mix of cumin, turmeric, and fennel, and the option to add a delicious tadka for extra flavor, this vegan-friendly dal is both satisfying and versatile. Whether you enjoy it with rice, naan, or on its own, this dal is a wholesome choice that brings warmth and nutrition to your table.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Servings 6 People
Calories 110 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Instant Pot
  • 1 One Set of measuring cups
  • 1 Set of Measuring Spoons
  • 1 Cutting Boards and Knives

Ingredients
  

Dals:

  • 1/4 cup chana dal
  • 1/4 cup moong dal skinless or split with skin
  • 1/4 cup urad dal split with or without skin
  • 1/4 cup masoor dal split red lentils

Whole Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

Ground Spices:

  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon fennel powder

Aromatics and Flavorings:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup finely chopped onions
  • 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
  • 1 cup chopped tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste

Liquid:

  • 4 cups water

Garnish:

  • Fresh chopped coriander optional
  • Fried onions optional

Optional Tadka (for added flavor):

  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 2 whole red chillies
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

Instructions
 

Prepare the Dal:

  • Rinse and soak all the dals (chana, moong, urad, and masoor) in water for about 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Sauté Aromatics:

  • Turn on the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode and heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
  • Add 1 teaspoon cumin seeds and let them become fragrant.
  • Add 1 cup of finely chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.
  • Stir in 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Add Tomatoes and Spices:

  • Add 1 cup chopped tomatoes and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes break down.
  • Stir in 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder and 1 teaspoon fennel powder. Mix well.

Cook the Dal:

  • Add the soaked and drained dals to the pot. Pour in 4 cups of water and mix well.
  • Cancel the 'Sauté' mode and set the Instant Pot to 'Pressure Cook' for 20 minutes.

Release Pressure:

  • Allow the pressure to release naturally. Once the pressure indicator drops, carefully open the lid.

Adjust Consistency:

  • Stir the dal and cook for a few more minutes on 'Sauté' mode to achieve your desired consistency.

Garnish:

  • Top with fresh chopped coriander and, if desired, fried onions.

Optional Tadka:

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a small pan over medium heat.
  • Add 2 whole red chillies and 1 teaspoon cumin seeds. Sauté until the cumin seeds are fragrant.
  • Add 1/2 cup chopped green onions and 1 teaspoon paprika. Cook until the onions are soft.
  • Pour this hot tadka mixture over the cooked dal.

Serve Hot:

  • Serve the dal hot, garnished with coriander and/or fried onions if desired.

Video

Notes

1. Ensure lentils are soaked well to avoid any uncooked or hard bits in the final dish.
2. Adjust the amount of water based on your desired dal consistency—more water for a soupier texture.
3. For a thicker dal, let it simmer on 'Sauté' mode after pressure cooking until it reaches the desired thickness. If too thick, add some water to get the desired consistency.
4. Make sure to stir the dal occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.
5. Experiment with different garnishes like cilantro for added flavor and nutrition.
*Calories per serving are approximate
Keyword dal, dal recipe