Palak Dal in an Instant Pot (Lentils with Spinach)
Palak Dal is one of those Dal recipes that is a family favourite. I love serving this with some plain Basmati rice and a quick chopped salad on the side. If you have a few extra minutes to spare, then some Jeera Aoo on the side would be amazing. Want to fancy it up more? Add in some Tuna Cutlets or Spicy Fried Chicken on the side. The options are endless. And each one, just as delicious!
Yesterday, we all woke up to what seemed like the blizzard of the century! Schools got called off, cars parked on the driveway were completely buried and we were told to stay off roads for safety reasons. It was crazy, yes, but we welcomed the first Snow Day of the year with open arms! Hubby Dear and Baby Dude suited up to go sledding and I did what I enjoyed the most – cook up a pot of bubbling Palak Dal cooked in the Instant Pot to feed our tummies and warm our soul.
There’s definitely something about a good hearty bowl of Dal-Chawal. Be it a cold winter night, a sizzling hot summer afternoon, or coming home tired after a long day at work, Dal-Chawal is the kind of comfort food most Indians crave for. And why not? With the wide variety of Dal recipes available throughout the subcontinent, there is no way one can get bored of it. If you’re looking for more Dal recipes, I have a ton that can be found here.
Palak Dal (Lentils with Spinach)
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp light cooking oil
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 2-3 large garlic cloves finely chopped
- 1 medium-sized onion finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/4 tsp red chilli powder
- 1/2 tsp coriander powder
- salt to taste
- 1 large tomato finely chopped
- 2 cups red lentils, also known as masoor dal thoroughly washed and drained
- 5 cups water
- 2 cups finely chopped fresh spinach leaves
Instructions
- Turn on the Instant Pot and set it to Saute mode. Once it's heated, add in oil and cumin seeds.
- Once the cumin seeds start to sizzle, add in the chopped garlic and onions. Fry for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, till onions start to brown.
- Add in the spices and salt, and give it a quick mix. Add in chopped tomatoes and let it cook for a couple of minutes till the tomatoes start to soften and pulp.
- Mix in the lentils and water and let it come to a quick boil. Put on the lid and set the Instant Pot to Manual Pressure Cook mode for 8 minutes, making sure that the valve is in the sealing position.
- Let the pressure release naturally before removing the lid.
- Add in the chopped spinach and give it a good mix. Serve warm.
Notes
If you liked this Palak Dal recipe, I’m sure you will love my Everyday Instant Pot Dal, Tadka Dal and my Chana Dal Masala as well.
Tried this recipe? Leave a Comment and let me know, also Rate it by clicking the number of stars on the recipe card. Want to share your version with me? Tag me on Instagram @hookedonheat
Good recipe overall in terms of flavor!