Toor Dal Instant Pot Recip is an easy Indian recipe made with yellow split pigeon peas, aromatic spices all cooked in an Instant Pot pressure cooker. This Instant Pot method makes a quick and nutritious dinner your whole family will enjoy, and you won’t have to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.
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WHAT IS TOOR DAL?
Toor dal is translated in English to pigeon peas. It is a common comfort food dish found in Indian cuisine. The flavor comes from the nutty-flavored split pigeon peas. They are pressure-cooked until tender and infused with aromatic spice. Toor dal is commonly served over plain white rice. There are also endless variations with the addition of vegetables added.
IS DAL GOOD FOR YOU?
A simple dal is a naturally vegan recipe and gluten-free. It is a great source of proteins, carbohydrates, fiber, and many essential vitamins and minerals. Also, lentils contain a broad range of beneficial plant compounds called phytochemicals. These compounds help protect against chronic diseases, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
WHAT ARE PIGEON PEAS?
According to Wikipedia, the pigeon peas are a perennial legume from the family Fabaceae. Since its domestication in the Indian subcontinent at least 3,500 years ago, its seeds have become common in Indian cooking. Yellow pigeon peas lentils are yellow-colored lentils that are flat on one side, oblong in shape. Pigeon pea is commonly known as arhar dal or split toor (tuvar) dal. They are a great source of proteins.
YELLOW SPLIT PEAS VS YELLOW PIGEON PEAS
Yellow split peas are peas, as their name implies. They usually do not need to be soaked and cook quicker than toor dal, which are yellow lentils.
DOES TOOR DAL NEED TO BE SOAKED?
Soaking is recommended if you have a stomach issue with beans or lentils. Soaking gets rid of indigestible proteins present in lentils. However, if you presoak your lentils, you will want to cut your pressure cooking time by 1/2 for this recipe.
HOW LONG DO YOU COOK LENTILS IN AN INSTANT POT?
Green lentils, red lentils, brown lentils, yellow lentils, and black lentils will all cook for 10 minutes in the Instant Pot. When done, cooked lentils are tender but firm.
WHAT SPICES ARE USED?
It’s best to start with whole spices and grind them fresh. This will infuse the most flavors into your dish. However, if they are already ground, then it is fine.
- Ground coriander seeds
- Garlic
- Cumin powder
- Fenugreek
- Garam masala
- Fresh ginger
- Red chilies flakes or red chili powder (optional)
- Fresh coriander leaves (topping)
HOW TO MAKE INSTANT POT YELLOW DAL RECIPE
Step 1: Wash the dal by rinsing in a colander. Set aside rinsed dal.
Step 2: Push the pressure cook button to saute, and heat coconut oil for 30 seconds. Next, add garlic to hot coconut oil and saute for 1 minute.
Step 3. Stir in the coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, fenugreek, turmeric, saute for one minute, continually stirring. This is called tempering, and it helps draw out the flavors of the spices.
Step 4: Add the fresh ginger, salt, lentils, cayenne, coconut milk, and vegetable broth.
Step 5: Lock the pressure cooker lid in place. Set Instant Pot to high pressure for 15 minutes cook time. When done, allow the pressure to naturally release for about 10 minutes. The dal will continue to cook during this time. At 10 minutes, quick release the pressure valve for the remaining pressure.
WHAT IS THE CONSISTENCY OF DAL WHEN DONE?
Dal is done when it is completely soft and has a rough purée consistency. For a smooth, creamy texture, use an immersion blender stick for 30 seconds. If you prefer a bit more texture, beat it with a whisk for a minute to a porridge-like consistency.
HOW TO MAKE IT SPICY
If you like your food spicy, add another 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder when tempering your spices. You could also top with red chili flakes when serving.
HOW TO EAT INDIAN DAL
This Indian food is traditionally served over white plain rice or brown rice. It would also be delicious with basmati rice. It is also common in an Indian household to eat it with a flatbread such as my WHOLE WHEAT NAAN.
MORE INSTANT POT RECIPES
- Instant Pot Coconut Rice (this would go great with this simple dal recipe)
- Instant Pot Roast Beef and Lots of Gravy
- Instant Pot Vegan Bolognese
- Instant Pot Applesauce
- Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts
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Indian Toor Dal Instant Pot Recipe With Rice
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 2 tablespoons ginger fresh, chopped fine
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 cup yellow lentils dried
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder optional add more if you like it spicy
- 1 15 oz coconut milk with cream can
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 3 dates chopped for topping
- 1/4 cup cilantro chopped for topping
- 1/4 cup coconut unsweetened shredded for topping
Instructions
- Wash the dal by rinsing in a colander. Set aside rinsed dal.
- Push the pressure cook button to saute, and heat coconut oil for 30 seconds. Next, add garlic to hot coconut oil and sautee for 1 minute.
- Stir in the coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, fenugreek, turmeric, saute for one minute, continually stirring. This is called tempering, and it helps draw out the flavors of the spices.
- Add the fresh ginger, salt, lentils, cayenne, coconut milk, and vegetable broth.
- Lock the pressure cooker lid in place. Set Instant Pot to high pressure for 15 minutes cook time. When done, allow the pressure to naturally release for about 10 minutes. The dal will continue to cook during this time. At 10 minutes, quick release the pressure valve for the remaining pressure.
- Serve over rice and top with chopped fresh cilantro, coconut flakes, and chopped dates.
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