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Whole Masoor Dal Recipe

Author: Soniya Saluja
Make your next meal special with this easy Akkha Masoor Dal recipe. This is a flavorful lentil dish you’ll want to make again and again
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: kabutar dal, kabutar waali dal, pigeon dal, whole masoor dal
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Natural Release: 10 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes

Servings:

4 people

Calories:

243kcal

Ingredients

For the dal:

  • 1 cup Whole masoor dal
  • 1 Small onion – finely chopped
  • 1 Small tomato – finely chopped
  • Salt – to taste
  • ½ teaspoon Turmeric powder
  • 2.5 cup Water for cooking

For the tadka / tempering:

  • 1 tablespoon Ghee or oil
  • ¼ teaspoon Asafoetida / hing
  • 2 teaspoon Cumin seeds
  • 4 Whole black pepper
  • 1 Bay leaf – 1 small
  • 4 Garlic cloves finely chopped
  • 2 Green chilies finely chopped
  • 2 Whole dry red chilies
  • 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
  • Curry leaves – a few optional
  • Fresh cilantro – for garnish

Instructions

Prep the dal:

  • Wash the masoor dal actually 3-4 times until water becomes clear. You should definitely rinse it properly before cooking.

Pressure cook the dal:

  • Add the washed dal to the Instant Pot along with water, chopped onion, chopped tomato, salt, and turmeric powder.
  • Close the lid, set the vent to sealing, and pressure cook on High Pressure for 12 minutes.
  • Once done, let it natural release for 10 minutes, then manually release the remaining pressure.

Prepare the tadka:

  • In a small pan, heat 1 tablespoon ghee (or oil if you prefer).
  • Add hing, cumin seeds, black pepper, bay leaf, garlic, green chilies, and red chilies.
  • Once they sizzle and turn golden, add red chili powder and curry leaves.
  • Stir for a few seconds. Make sure to not burn the spices!

Combine:

  • Pour this sizzling tadka over the cooked dal in the Instant Pot.
  • Mix gently and switch to Sauté mode for 3–4 minutes to let everything come together beautifully.

Adjust consistency:

  • If you prefer it thicker, simmer a bit longer. If you like it thinner, add a few tablespoons of hot water.

Garnish:

  • Top with fresh cilantro and a small drizzle of ghee for that classic dhaba-style finish.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 4peope | Calories: 243kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 100mg | Potassium: 692mg | Fiber: 17g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 653IU | Vitamin C: 45mg | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 5mg
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