Arhar Dal – Instant Pot Everyday Yellow Dal
This everyday yellow Dal – also known as Arhar Dal recipe, made even easier in the Instant Pot, is one that is made in most homes in North India on a regular basis and one that many moms fall back on when short on time or ideas for an upcoming meal.
We don’t bicker much, Hubby Dear and I, when it comes to food – except of course, when the topic of concern is Dal. Dal, or lentils, is a common staple in Indian cuisine. Be it the North, South, West or East part of India, this is one item you can find on the menu. True, it comes in its many variations, but it is a staple nonetheless. And there’s certainly no denying that on a cold rainy day like today, it is the ultimate comfort food.
Hubby Dear and me love our dals, and most importantly, we have our favourites. He loves his Yellow Arhar/Toor dal, and I’m passionate about my Red Masoor. To give them their due importance, I alternate between the two each week. One may think it might be hard to keep track of whose turn is up next, but since I’m the only one in charge when it comes to all things culinary in our home, I demand the benefit of doubt.
There have been numerous days when Hubby Dear thinks, no, he actually believes, that I’ve been partial to my own needs in front of his wishes. Well, maybe I have. But then again, when you rule the kitchen, there’s not much that can be done about it! So, to avoid matters taking a toll for the worst, I turn to the only intermediary I know. The Chana Dal. Or more explicitly, the Split Pea. This lentil is one that we both happily agree on. It may take its own sweet time to soften down, but the end result never fails to bring a smile to our faces.
As I scrolled through my recipe list this morning in an attempt to clean things up, I realized something that took me by surprise – I don’t have an Arhar Dal recipe up on my site! What? How? Huh? This Dal is one that is made in most homes in North India on a regular basis and one that many moms fall back on when short on time or ideas for an upcoming meal. So without any further ado, here is my recipe for this everyday yellow Dal – also known as Arhar Dal.
Instant Pot Arhar Dal (Everyday Yellow Dal)
Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow lentils, also known as arhar or toor dal thoroughly washed and drained
- 2 cups water
- 1 medium-sized tomato finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp coriander powder
- salt to taste
- 2 tbsp light cooking oil
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 2-3 garlic cloves roughly chopped
- 1 medium-sized onion finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp red chilli powder
- finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Add in the lentils, water, tomatoes, turmeric and coriander powder, along with some salt into the Instant Pot and give it a mix.
- Put on the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual Pressure Cook mode for 4 minutes, making sure that the valve is on the sealing position. Let the pressure release naturally before removing the lid.
- Heat oil in a pan and add in cumin seeds.
- Once the cumin seeds start to sizzle, add in the garlic and chopped onions. Fry for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions start to brown.
- Turn off the heat and add in chili powder giving it a quick mix. Carefully add this into the Dal, making sure to get every last drop of the flavoured oil as well.
- Give it a good stir, adjust salt if necessary and garnish with cilantro leaves before serving.
Notes
If you liked this Arhar Dal or Everyday Yellow Lentils recipe, I’m sure you will love my Tadka Dal and my Everyday Instant Pot Dal as well.
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