I love making dals for everyday meals as they are a rich source of protein for a plant-based diet. I also like to add greens like palak (spinach) or kale and make the dal extra nutritious. It is also known as ‘Masoor palak’ or ‘brown lentils curry with spinach. If you love Lentils & Beans and looking for more Instant Pot Indian Recipes? Here are my 30+ Instant Pot lentils & Beans Recipes you must try.
What are Whole Masoor Dal (Brown Lentils)?
Masoor dal is a lentil that is brown-skinned on the outside and orange on the inside. They are known as Sabut Masoor Dal in Hindi or Brown Lentils in English. Their split variety is known as red lentils or masoor dal. They hold their shape very well while cooking and turn creamy and thick when cooked, making them perfect for main dishes such as lentil curry (dal), soups, stews, and salads.
Ingredients
How to Make Whole Masoor Dal (Brown Lentils) in Instant Pot
Press SAUTE on Instant Pot. Heat oil, and add cumin seeds. Let them splutter. Add minced garlic, ginger, green chilies, and onions. Saute till the onions turn light brown. Add tomatoes, spices like turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt. Cook till the tomatoes turn soft and mushy, which takes 2-3 minutes. Then add rinsed lentils (dal), water, and give a stir. Adjust spices at this stage. Also, Deglaze the pot to ensure no food particles stick to the bottom to avoid the Burn message. Close the lid securely, and turn the vent to “SEALING”. Select the PRESSURE COOK/MANUAL (High Pressure) setting and set the cooking time to 15 minutes. When the instant pot beeps, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure before removing the lid. Lastly, squeeze some lime juice, and add coriander leaves. Mix well. Instant pot pressure cooker Whole masoor dal (brown lentils) recipe is ready. Serve hot with steamed rice, quinoa, roti, or serve it as a soup.
Stovetop Pressure Cooker Instructions
Follow the steps as the instant pot instructions. Give 4-5 whistles on medium flame and let the pressure release naturally. All the other steps remain the same.
Stovetop Pot Instructions
If you don’t have a pressure cooker and plan to make this Brown Lentil Curry on a stovetop pot, follow the exact instructions until we add brown lentils and water. Then cook for around 30-35 minutes on medium heat or till the lentils are soft and done. Adjust water accordingly.
How to Serve Brown Lentils Curry
Serve the whole masoor dal with Indian flatbreads like garlic naan, roti, or paratha. You can also pair it with a bowl of basmati rice, quinoa, or brown rice. It can also be served as a lentil soup with crusty bread on the side.
Storage Suggestions
Refrigerate: Store the leftover brown lentil curry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze: You can store the whole masoor dal in a freezer-safe airtight container for up to three months in the freezer. Reheat: Reheat masoor dal tadka with some water on the stovetop or in the microwave oven. Defrost if frozen before reheating.
Tips & Variations
More Pressure Cooker Lentil Recipes
Whole Green Moong Dal – Dal cooked with whole mung beans Masoor Dal - Dal made with red lentils. Chana Dal Fry - Dal prepared with split chickpeas lentils, assorted spices Spinach Dal / Palak Dal – Dhal cooked with spinach leaves Raw Mango Dal – Dal cooked with Raw Mango Butternut Squash Dal - Dal cooked with butternut squash or pumpkin.
