Mixed Lentil Curry (Instant Pot + Stovetop)
Learn to make these easy 1 pot mixed lentils recipe, great to serve with rice or naan
Servings: 4
Equipment
- saucepan / instant pot for cooking lentils
- small pan for tempering for saucepan
Ingredients
For cooking lentils in a pot
- 1 cup mixed lentils red lentils, chana dal, green moong dal
- 2 tablespoon oil or ghee
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic paste
- 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- 2 fresh tomatoes chopped
- 1 tablespoon curry powder or ½ teaspoon turmeric + ½ teaspoon garam masala
- ½ tablespoon paprika or red chili powder
- 4 cups water
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice optional
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
Instant pot chana dal:
- Soak lentils in cold water for at least 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot or Instant Pot on sauté mode, heat oil and add cumin seeds. Add onion, ginger, and garlic; cook until light brown.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft. Mix in curry powder, paprika, and salt.
- Add soaked lentils and water. Stir well and cook:
- Instant Pot: Pressure cook for 15 minutes on high heat. Let pressure release naturally.
- Stovetop: Cover and simmer for 30–35 minutes until lentils are soft.
- Adjust salt and thickness. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and top with coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with jeera rice, brown rice, or naan.
Step to cook the dal in saucepan
- Add soaked lentils, 4 cups of water(for 1 cup soaked lentils), to onion tomato mix. Bring to a boil on high heat.
- Reduce to low-medium heat and simmer uncovered for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are soft and start to break down. Add more hot water if it thickens too much.
Video
Notes
The dal thickens after cooking, Adjust the water and spices as per your taste.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g