Dal Fry (Instant Pot Recipe)

In Indian cuisine Dal is one of a popular dish that’s commonly cooked in household, served along with Roti’s (Indian bread) and also with Chawal (plain Rice). There are different lentils used to cook this and sometimes used with four varieties together too. As well peas and bean varieties are also used along, or separately. Predominantly we use Yellow or split Red lentils.

This easy and delicious recipe is made In Instant Pot. This same recipe can also be made in Pressure cooker as well in Pan too. It is a to go recipe for any one and can be made less than 30 minutes along with the preparation.

Adding lentils to your diet increases the intake of protein. And we all know how beneficial it is. It’s totally healthy and nutritious, also completes the meal with total satisfaction.

What is Dal Fry?

Dal is a generic sanskrit word used for Lentils, as well as curries cooked with it. It is a staple dish and a source of protein for Vegetarians.

It is made with Red or yellow split lentil, or with yellow split moong or whole green moong variety.

It can be made plain. Or with vegetables, as well as with onions, garlic and ginger alone. There are masala dal’s ,in which we add indian spice powders, and a mandatory (at least according to me) is Desi Ghee. (Clarified Butter)

It can be made with different methods, and the cooking method or the steps to make it varies from different parts of India. The sauteeing is called as “Fry” In making dal. This recipe involves no deep frying or frying or using more oil or ghee at all.

It is very popular in Northern side of India. There are restaurants called “Dhaba” – Roadside Restaurant.

When it comes for cooking dal we always and traditionally pressure cook the dal first and then continue the rest. But, in here this is why i love making certain dishes in Instant pot “One pot meal” makes life easy. I believe some of you will agree to what i say.

Every family has their own family recipe and the combinations varies. This is my simpler version.

I have not given a detailed description with step by step recipe pictures but, i have packed this today in Dabba series for Lunch do check that out too.

INGREDIENTS

Masoor Dal – 1/2 cup ( Red Split lentil)

Moong Dal-1/3 cup (Yellow split lentil)

Onions-1

Oil-1&1/2 tablespoon

Cumin-1 teaspoon

Green Chilies-2

Ginger- 1/4 piece

Lemon-1/2 of a whole lemon

Turmeric Powder-1/2 teaspoon

Salt- as required

Garam masala powder-1&1/2 teaspoon

Kasuri methi-2 teaspoons (Dried Fenugreek leaves)

Water-500 ml

TEMPERING

Ghee-3 teaspoons

Carom seeds-2 teaspoons

Garlic-2-3 pods

Red Chili powder-1/2 teaspoon

STEPS

In Instant pot turn on the saute mode for 7 minutes on high. Then add the oil to it. Once the oil becomes hot add the cumin and the green chilies.
Saute them for few seconds and then add the chopped onions. Saute for couple of minutes. Then add the Red Lentil ( Masoor Dal ) and the Split Yellow Lentil (Moong Dal) one after the other.
Add the turmeric powder and salt and mix together.
Then add garam masala powder & Kasuri methi powder. Mix together.
Add water and stir and then close the lid, seal the valve.
Set the Instant Pot to Pressure cooking mode on High for 10 minutes.
Once the pressure cooking is done, Manually release the pressure and wait to open the lid.
Then open the lid, let the hot steam settle, then add the ginger. I cut the ginger as juliennes. Next add the 1/2 of lemon juice. Mix and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
At the end temper the Carom seeds and garlic and red chili powder in ghee, and add this to the Dal. mix well and serve hot with Rice, Roti, Naan, Pulao of your choice.

NOTES:

You can use one lentil variety alone,not necessarily mix two of the variety. I like to explore and try different versions so I did this.
Tomatoes, Capsicum, even potatoes or peas can be added. as I have mentioned earlier there are different methods and variations in making all these things. Try your liked version and make it.
Those who prefer not to add garlic, You can totally ignore.
Using Kasuri methi and garam masala powder is purely and individual’s choice. I like to add some drama to the routine. So i did.
Also this dish can. be entirely made with ghee or butter. If you aren’t interested in using oil skip that and substitute with the above said.
Adding ginger helps in digestion,The taste of ginger is a twist and i love them at the end as fresh ginger goes well when combined with this hot dal and rice or Roti.