Masoor Dal Instant Pot (Red Lentils Dal)

Creamy, nutritious, and delicious Masoor Dal Instant Pot is made with red lentils, tomatoes, garlic, fresh spinach, and Indian spices. This dal makes a quick and easy weeknight meal, and it’s loaded with protein and fiber.

Dal – A Staple in Every Indian Home!

Dal (or daal) is a staple in every Indian household. With the number of Indian vegetarians in the world and the variety of dals in our culture, it’s no surprise most Indians consume dal daily given its nutritional value and protein amount.

One such dal is Masoor Dal. Masoor Dal or Red Lentil Curry or Red Lentil Dal makes a great weeknight option because the lentils require no soaking and don’t take much time to cook. Not to mention it’s super creamy and delicious.

More Instant Pot Recipes

Check out my Andhra-style Tomato Dal / Tomato Pappu, Vegetable Pulao Instant Pot, Green Sabut Moong Dal, and Instant Pot Plain Khichdi.

What is Masoor Dal (Red Lentils Dal)?

Masoor Dal is known as red lentils in English. These split red lentils are popular in both the east and west so you can easily find them at the Indian grocery store as well as most western grocery stores. This particular dal has an earthy flavor, a creamy texture once cooked, and is easier to digest.

This quick and easy meal comes together in no time. There is also very little chopping in this recipe so trust me when I say this Instant Pot dal is the perfect weeknight meal.

If I may say so myself, my Red Lentils Dal recipe is the ultimate comfort food and tastes amazing! It’s my go-to dal when I don’t feel like cooking and after returning from vacation. It just hits the spot!

What are the Benefits of Masoor Dal

Masoor Dal is a nutritious pulse that offers many benefits.

1. Protein – It’s a good source of protein making it a great option for vegans and vegetarians.
2. Fiber – Red lentils are a good source of fiber which keeps you full longer. Additionally, fiber can help lower cholesterol and improve heart health.
3. Folate & Iron – These lentils are rich in folate and iron making them ideal for women who are pregnant.
4. Weight Loss – Masoor Dal helps with weight loss as it’s low in calories and high in fiber which keeps you full longer.
5. Controls Blood Sugar – Since Masoor Dal has a low glycemic index, it helps lower blood sugar making it great for diabetics.
6. Antioxidants – Masoor Dal has lots of antioxidants making it an anti-aging superfood.

Ingredients

• Masoor Dal (Red Lentils) – You will need Split Masoor Dal or red lentils for this recipe. The dal needs to be washed well, but you do not need to soak it. You can find red lentils on Amazon.
• Tomatoes – You’ll need freshly chopped tomatoes for this recipe. The tomatoes will be added to the dal while it’s being cooked.
• Baby Spinach – You’ll need some baby spinach that you’ll add to the dal after it’s cooked. The spinach will wilt in a minute once added to the hot dal.
• Flavorings – Fresh Garlic (sliced), Dry Red Chilies (broken in half), Lemon Juice.
• Spices – Turmeric Powder, Kashmiri Red Chili Powder for color, Asafoetida (hing), Cumin Seeds, and Garam Masala. Note: if gluten-free, be sure to use gluten-free hing.

*See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.*

How to make Instant Pot Masoor Dal

Step 1 – Cook Masoor Dal in Instant Pot

1. Wash the red lentils well a few times until it is no longer opaque in color. (Image 1)

2. Drain the water completely. (Image 2)

3. Add the red lentils and water to the Instant Pot along with tomatoes, turmeric powder, and salt. Stir. (Image 3)

4. Cover and seal the Instant Pot. Cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes. Allow the pressure to naturally release all the way. (Image 4)

5. Once the masoor dal is cooked, this is what you should have. (Image 5)

6. Using a whisk, whisk the dal until smooth and creamy. (Image 6)

7. Add fresh baby spinach and stir. The spinach will wilt within a minute. (Image 7)

8. This is what you should have. (Image 8)

Step 2 – Prepare Tadka

1. Heat a small tadka pot until it’s hot, then add oil. Once the oil is hot, add cumin seeds, asafoetida (hing), and dry red chilies. (Image 1)

2. Next add fresh sliced garlic. Cook until you can smell the garlic aroma for about 30 seconds. (Image 2)

3. Next add Kashmiri red chili powder. (Image 3)

4. Swirl the tadka pot around and cook for 1 minute on medium heat. (Image 4)

5. Add the tadka to the cooked dal. (Image 5)

6. Stir well. (Image 6)

7. Add garam masala and a generous squeeze of lemon. Stir. (Image 7)

8. Wait 15 minutes to allow the flavors to combine. Serve hot dal over hot rice with a side of onions. Enjoy! (Image 8)